2.5.6 Smit
naturalis
nationaal natuurhistorlsch
museum
postbus 9517
2300 RA ieiden
ILLUSTRATIONS
OF THE
ZOOLOGY OF SOUTH AFRICA
CONSISTING CHIEFLY OF
FIGURES AND DESCRIPTIONS OF THE OBJECTS OF NATURAL HISTORY
COLLECTED DURING
AN EXPEDITION INTO THE INTERIOR OF SOUTH AFRICA,
IN THE YEARS 1831, 1835, AND 1836;
FITTED OUT BY
“ THE CAPE OF GOOD HOPE ASSOCIATION FOR EXPLORING CENTRAL AFRICA.”
BY ANDREW SMITH, M.D.,
DEPUTY INSPECTOR GENERAL OF ARMY HOSPITALS;
DIRECTOR OF THE EXPEDITION.
DufaUsljsB unKer tf)« StutljovitD of tije AovUO CommtSStomtO of iHajeStii’o CrtaourD.
AYES.
LONDON :
SMITH, ELDER AND CO. 65, CORNHILL.
MDCCCXLIX.
V* •
LONDON!
PRINTED BY STEWART AND MURRAY
OLD BAILEY.
4
AYES — INDEX.
PLATE
Accipiter rufiventris .
. 93
polyzonoides .
11
Alauda ferruginea
. 29
Codea
87
Lagepa
. 87
Amadina erytlirocephala
69
squamifrons
. 95
Anas flavirostris
96
sparsa
. 97
Aquila coronata
40
young
. 41
bellicosa .
42
Ardea atricollis
. 86
gutturalis
91
Astur melanoleucus .
. 18
Athene Capensis .
33
Woodfordii .
. 71
Brachonyx apiata .
110
pyrrlionotha
. 110
Bradornis Mariquensis .
. 113
Bubo Capensis .
. 70
Caprimulgus Natalensis
99
rufigcna
. 100
lentiginosus
101
Europoeus
. 102
Certhilauda Africana
90
subcoronata
. 90
garrula .
106
semitorquata
. 106
Cinnyris Verroxii
57
Circus Swainsonii
. 43
— I young
. . . 44
maurus
. 58
Chizaerhis concolor
2
Chloropeita Natalensis
. 112
Clangula leuconota
. 107
Corythaix porphyreolopha .
. 35
PLATE
Cossypha humeralis
48
Natalensis
. CO
Crateropus Jardinii
6
Dicrurus Ludwigii
34
Drymoica substriata
. 72
pallida ....
72
ruficapilla
. 73
Levaillantii .
73
textrix ....
. 74
terrestris
74
ocularius ....
. 75
peotoralis
75
Capensis ....
. 76
subruficapilla
76
affinis ....
. 77
Cherina
77
aberrans ....
. 78
Chiniana
79
Natalensis
. 80
subcinnamomea
111
faseiolata ....
. Ill
Erythropygia pectoralis
49
Paena ....
. 50
Euplectes Taha ....
7
Falco semitorquatus ....
1
rupicoloides ....
92
Francolinus Swainsonii
. 12
Natalensis
13
pileatus ....
. 14
subtorquatus
15
Gariepensis, male
. 83
female .
84
Levaillantii
. 85
Gallinula dimidiata
20
Jardinii ....
. 21
elegans ....
22
Halcyon Senegaloides
, 63
AYES.— INDEX.
Hemipodius Lepurana ,
Lampxotornis Burchellii
Lanins subcoronatus
Melaconotus similis
Mcrops Bullockoides
Mirafra Africana
Africanoides
Sabota
Cheniana .
Otis ruficrista ....
Afroides
Otus Capensis ....
Oxyura Maccoa
Oxyura female and young
Paecilonitta erythrorhyncba
Passer Motitensis .
Parra Capensis
Pacliyptila Banks!
Philetajrus lepidus .
Platyrhyncbus Capensis
Ploceus spilonotus
Capensis .
subaureus
ocularius .
Mariquensis
Plocepasser Mabali
Polyboroides typicus, adult
« young
PLATE
16
Prionops Talacoma .
• 47
Procellaria glacialoides .
68
macroptera
. 46
Forsteri
9
— Turtur
. 88
Pterocles gutturalis, male
88
, female .
. 89
variogatus
89
Puffinus cinereus
4
Pyrenestes frontalis, adult
19
, young .
. 67
Pyrrliulauda australis
108
verticals .
. 109
Ieucotis .
. 104
Querquedula Hottentota
114
Rhynchaspis Capensis .
. 32
Saxicola infuscata
55
Strix Capensis
8
Sylvia obscura
27
Textor erytkrorkynchus
. 66
Teloplionus trivirgatus
66
Tricophorus flaviventris .
. 30
Turdus obscurus
30
strcpitans .
. 103
Libonyana
65
guttatus .
. 81
Vanellus lateralis
82
Yidua axillaris
PLATE
5
51
. 52
53
. 54.
3
. 31
10
. 56
61
. 62
24
. 25
26
. 105
98
. 28
45
. 112
64
. 94
59
. 36
37
. 38
39
. 23
17
FAL CO SEMIT ORQ.UAI U S .
( Avis Pla-tel.)
J)a,yjUra#hcIrthr£tv tfegiteens
FALCO SEMITORQUATUS.— Smith.
Aves. — Plate I. (Male.)
F. parte superiori capitis, dorso, humerisque cineraceis; capitis lateribus, fascia cervicali, tectricibus
superioribus caudae, partibusque inferioribus albis ; remigibus rectricibusque brunneo-nigris maculis
albis in seriebus transversis variegatis ; rostro ad basin, cera, pedibusque flavis ; rostri apice, ungui-
busque nigris ; oculis flavis.
Longitxjdo 7 unc.
Falco Semitorouatus, Eep. of Exped. page 44. Jnne 1836.
Colour. — The upper part of the head, the back, the secondary quill coverts
and a few of the innermost tertiary quill feathers cinereous or ashy blue ; the
sides of the head a broad transverse band on the back of the neck, the upper
tail coverts, and all the under parts pure white. Primary quill coverts, quill
feathers and tail dull brown or brownish black, freely variegated with white
spots. On the quill feathers, the spots on the outer vanes consist of some-
what circular or semicircular blotches, on the inner vanes of more or less
lengthened transverse bars, the latter more numerous than the former, which
are generally four on each web, except in the case of the first primary, which
is often spotless. On the tail the forms of the white spots are somewhat
similar to what they are upon the wing feathers, and the number upon
each vane is generally equal, commonly five, so that when the feathers are
spread, it appears crossed by that number of interrupted white bars ; both
the quill and tail feathers tipt with white. Cere, basal half of bill, legs and
toes yellow, distal half of bill livid blue, with the extreme tip nearly black ;
claws black ; eyes yellow .
Form, &c.— Bill rather compressed, and the point of the upper mandible
much hooked. Tarsi and toes moderately strong for the size of the bird, the
former covered in front by entire or divided plates, behind and on the sides by
scales. Claws much curved; wings when closed reach nearly over the first two-
FALCO SEMITORQUATUS.
thirds of the tail ; second quill feather longest ; first and third nearly equal,
and rather shorter than the second ; the extremity of the tail slightly rounded.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
Length from the tip of the bill to the
end of the tail 7 0
of the hill from the angle of the
mouth 0 9
of the wings when folded 4 S
of the tail 3 0
Inches. Lines.
Length of the tarsus 1 1
Length of middle toe 0 9
Length of hinder toe 0 4|
In the female, the scapulars and the hack are deep chesnut brown ; in
other respects the colours are similar to those of the male. In point of
size there is a little difference, the female being nearly eight inches and a half
in length.
Only three specimens of this elegant little Falcon were procured by the expedition party, and
those nearly in the same spot, among some large mimosa trees a little to the eastward of Old
Latakoo. None of them were ever observed soaring like other falcons, and the few individuals
that were seen were either perched upon the lowermost branches of the trees, or in the act of
flying from one tree to another. Considering that this bird was never afterwards procured or
even seen more to the eastward, it is probable that the proper habitat of the species will be
found in the opposite direction, which I am the more inclined to believe, as one of our party
declared he had seen it upon the borders of the Kalahari desert during an excursion we made
to the westward of New Latakoo. In the stomachs of two were found the remains of small
birds, and in the third, portions of a lizard, and different parts of coleopterous insects.
If we are to admit Le Faucon a calotte noir of Levaillant, Ois. d’Afrique, pi. 29, (Falco
tibialis, Daud.) to be a native of South Africa, we have now eight species of true Falcons
inhabiting that part of the globe ; viz.
Falco rupicolus, Daud. Falco tibialis, Daud.
rupicoloides, Smith. Chicqucra, Le Valliant.
biarmicus, Temm. Subbuteo, Lin.
peregrinus, Lin. semitorquatus, Smith.
The four species in the first column occur in almost every district of the country which has yet
been explored; the fifth species, if it has a place in South Africa, must be very confined in its range,
as I have never either met it myself, nor seen it in collections made by others. The sixth species
was for the first time discovered during the movements of the expedition between the principal
branches of the Orange river, and it was not until that discovery I could persuade myself
that Levaillant had correctly ranked it as an African bird. The seventh is rarely procured, and
I have never seen specimens at any great distance from Cape Town. The eighth probably
never reaches the latitude of the colony.
X ' £
' fi
"Ip \
PctyM, fJdUjh# hithS^fa (A& 0ce&n- .
CHIZ JER.H.IS CONCOLOR.
( Aves. Pla.te.2 .)
CHIZiERHIS CON CO LOR.— Smith.
Aves. — Plate II. (Male.)
C. cinereo-griseus brunneo-tinctus ; huincris scapularibusque cupreo-viridi umbratis ; remigibus viridi-
brunnois ; cauda viridi-grisoa ; rostro pedibusque nigris ; capite cristato, crista plumis decompositis e
fronte porrectis.
Longittjdo 20 unc.
Coliphimus Concolor, Rep. of Exped. page 54, June 1836.
Colour. — Dull ashy, or smoke-grey, tinted with brown ; the scapulars and
shoulders variegated by greenish shades, exhibiting a metallic lustre. Bastard
wings, primary quill coverts, and quill feathers, greenish brown; the green
most distinct upon the inner vanes ; the outer vanes of secondary quill
feathers greenish grey, the inner deep green, with a metallic gloss. Tail
above glossy greenish grey, except towards the extremity, where it is deep
greenish brown, beneath greenish brown with a brassy tint. Bill and claws
black ; tarsi and toes livid brown. Eyes dark brown.
Form, &c. — Bill compressed, higher than broad at the base, and its height
nearly equal to its length ; culmen slightly rounded and arched from the
base ; the tip of the upper mandible pointed and somewhat hooked, with a
slight emargination immediately behind it ; commissure slightly sinuated ;
nostrils small, pierced in the bill, close to the culmen and a little in front of
the feathers of the forehead, with a distinct narrow groove extending from each,
obliquely downwards and forwards towards the commissure. Wings, when
folded reach over the first third of the tail ; fourth and fifth quill feathers
longest and slightly exceeding the third and sixth; the second considerably
shorter’ than the third, and the first not half the length of the fourth. Tarsi
and toes moderately robust, the former covered in front by transverse plates,
behind and on the sides by minute granular scales. Claws moderately curved.
Head surmounted by a long crest, which extends obliquely upwards and
CHIZiERHIS CONCOLOR,
backwards from the forehead, and is formed of the elongated feathers of that
part with their vanes much decomposed.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
Length from the tip of the hill to the
extremity of the tail 20 3
of the bill o 11
of the wings when folded 8 6
of the tail 10 0
The female scarcely differs either in
Inches. Lines.
Length of the tarsus 1 9
of the middle toe 1 3
of the hinder toe 0 3^
colour or size from the male.
It was upon reaching 25° 24' south latitude, a point where the livers began to flow to the
eastward, and the country to acquire a partial clothing of dwarf trees and brushwood, that this
species was first discovered. As soon as it was observed, the Hottentots declared it to be a muis
vogel, or Colins, Lin., and they persisted ever afterwards in regarding it as such, which was not
surprising, since it evinces considerable similarity to birds of that genus, not only in its carriage
when perched, but also in its mode of flight and in various other points which will be noticed
more at length hereafter. Its favourite resort seemed to be the immediate banks of rivers, and
it was seen either perched upon the highest branches of the trees which occurred in these
situations, or flitting to and fro among them in search of the fruits, which constitute its
principal food. It is a bird of short flight, and when disturbed and driven from any particular
haunt, it seldom passes the nearest tree without alighting, unless it may think itself not suffi-
ciently removed from the source of danger. When flying, it sometimes flaps its wings with
considerable quickness and vigour, but more generally it soars along with them completely ex-
tended, and even scarcely moves them until it has actually perched. When at rest, and with-
out any suspicion of danger, it has a clumsy dull appearance, with its head sunk to its
shoulders, and at such times utters occasionally a harsh cry resembling “ mea.” When
excited, however, by the appearance of an object of suspicion, or its attention is arrested by
any unusual noise, it exhibits a very opposite and elegant appearance : its crest, which in a
state of rest is generally recumbent, then becomes erected, while its head, if not its whole
body, is moved in various directions, as if endeavouring to discover the cause of its alarm ;
and at such times its cries are harsher and more frequent. The individuals first discovered
weie extiemely shy and watchful, but as we advanced in the country, where specimens were
more abundant, less caution w*as observed, and there were days when we might have shot at
least forty or fifty individuals had it been desirable. Besides the remains of fruits, the wings
and other parts of grylli vvere found in the stomachs of several which were examined.
When first 1 became acquainted with this bird I was inclined to consider it as forming a
type for a new genus, which I proposed to call Colipldmus. Since my return to Europe, how-
ever, I have had opportunities of comparing it with Chizcerhis of Wagler, and not having found
sufficient peculiarities to warrant its being regarded apart from that genus, the name by which
it was originally designated is consequently discontinued.
PTEJtQCXJSS GTTTTTJK-AEIS ■
PTEROCLES GUTTURALIS. — Smith.
Aves.— Plate III. (Male.)
Mas. P. capite, collo, pectoreque pallide sulphureo-viri dibus; scapularibus interscapnlaribusque griseo rubri-
brunnoo nigro-brunneoque umbratis ; guld straminca postice fascia brunnco-nigra marginata ; alarum
tectricibus secundariis subrutilis ; abdomine castaneo dio ; remigibus fuscis, secundariis versus apicem
albo-marginatis.
Fern, capite, cervice, dorso, humeris pectoreque brunneo-nigris, subochreo variegatis; gula, gutture,
collique lateribus pallide brunneo-flavis ; abdomine nigro badio-fasciato ; cauda; tectricibus inferi-
oribus badiis, versus basin nigro-fasciatis.
Colour. — The upper surface of the head, dull green, faintly freckled with
black ; the sides of the head and the chin straw yellow ; eye-brows yellowish
white ; space between eye and bill black ; the neck, the breast, and a
portion of each shoulder, intermediate between oil green and sulphur yellow ;
the bases of all the feathers pearl-grey ; immediately behind the yellow of
chin, the throat and sides of the neck are crossed by a deep brownish black
crescent. The interscapulars and scapulars clouded with pale reddish brown,
pearl-grey, and bluish black, or brownish black, the latter generally prevailing
towards the quills. Back and upper tail coverts pearly grey, strongly tinged
with brown, and when the feathers are separated, each is found of a yellowish
brown tint at the base, and with a strong satin lustre. The secondary wing
coverts intermediate between Dutch and reddish orange, with the base, and a
considerable portion of the inner vane of each pearly-grey ; primary wing
coverts, and all the quill feathers, umber-brown ; the secondaries narrowly
tipt with rusty white; the tail feathers blackish brown, the outer vanes edged
with pearl-grey, and all, except the two middle ones, broadly tipt with the
same colour as the secondary quill coverts. Belly and under tail coverts, be-
tween chesnut and reddish brown. Bill and claws a dark horn-colour ; eyes
dark brown ; toes greenish brown.
Form, &c.— Typical ; wings, when folded, nearly reach the tip of the tail ;
the first quill feather rather longer than the second ; the longest of the
tertiaries intermediate between the sixth and seventh quill feathers ; tail,
wedge-shaped, the two middle feathers rather the longest, and acuminated at
their extremities; the outer and inner toes of equal length.
PTEROCLES GUTTURALIS.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines. Inches. Lines.
Length from the tip of bill to the end Length of the tarsus 1 1
of the tail 12 6 middle toe 1 0
of the tail 0 10 outer toe 0 9
of the wings when folded 8 9 hinder toe 0 1^
of the tail 4 3
In the female, the top of the head is brownish black, spotted with rusty
white ; back of the neck, dull cream yellow, freely dashed with brown ; the
sides of the neck and the throat pale honey yellow ; the back, the shoulders,
and the breast, brownish black, with large cream-coloured spots ; belly, deep
black, barred with pale chesnut. Under tail-coverts bright chesnut, towards
their bases barred with black. Tail, blackish brown, with partial bars of
light cream-yellow, and all except the two middle feathers, tipt with pale
reddish orange. Length 11| inches.
This bird was first discovered in latitude 25° 40', about eighty miles to the eastward of Latakoo,
and it was when we remarked its cry to differ from that uttered by Pterocles Tachyptes, Temm. that
we were led to a suspicion of its being a distinct species. In common with the other South African
species of this genus, it repairs in large flocks at regular and fixed periods, to localities where water
exists, and it is at such times that specimens are most readily to be secured. The sportsman,
however, to be successful, must be quick in his movements, as they scarcely reach the water
before they are again on the wing. Both in approaching to, and receding from such spots,
they utter almost incessantly sharp cries, somewhat resembling tioet weet, twet meet. From
observing these birds when in quest of means for quenching their thirst, one would be disposed
to consider them gregarious ; but such notions are soon suspended when theii feeding grounds
are discovered. Over the latter they are generally dispersed singly or in pairs, and the occa-
sional congregation only takes place by solitary individuals successively joining others who are
on the way from a greater distance. This species seeks the water about ten in the morning
and three in the afternoon, and in that respect resembles the Pterocles Tachyptes, which
inhabits a different part of the country. The Pterocles Variegatus, which we shall hereafter
figure, prefers to drink during the early part of the morning, and the Pterocles Bicinctus
again, during the dusk of the evening, and the early part of the night. In such an arrange-
ment we must admit design ; as, were all of the various species to experience thirst at or about
the same time, both delay and difficulty would be experienced in quenching it, since owing to
the general scarcity of water in the districts they inhabit, even as it is at present, hundreds of
the same species are often to be seen fringing the brink of a pool for hours together, and occa-
sionally disputing for the first sip. Grass-seeds, ants, and abundance of gravel were found in
the stomachs of most of the individuals we secured.
•¥ *
OTIS RUFICRISTA— Smith.
Aves. — Plate IV. (Male.)
Mas. 0. capite supra cseruleo-grisco ; fascia suborbitali colloque griseis, pallide brunneo sparsis; stria
superciliari sordide alba, nigro variegata usque ad nucham porrecta ; crista castanea ; mento, regionc
parotica, maculaquc ante alas albis, illo fascia longitudinali nigral; dorso isabellino lineis nigris
undatis, variegatis ; scapularibus, interscapularibus, humcrisquc prseterea maculis lanceolatis nigris
notatis flavo-albo marginatis ; alarum tectricibus secundariis apicibus albis, tectricibus primaribus,
remiigbusque nigro-brunneis, albo maculatis ; pectore ventreque nigris ; oculis rubro-brunneis ;
pedibus albo-flavis ; mandibula supcriore unguibusque viridi-nigris, mandibula inferiore ad basin
subflava ad apicem livida.
Otis Ruficbista, Rep. of Exped. App. page 56, June 1836.
Colour. — The upper surface of the head intermediate between bluish and
blackish grey ; a stripe below each eye, and the neck pearl-grey, the latter
closely freckled with wood-brown, except at the lower part of the throat, where
the colour is pure pearl-grey, wfith a lilac blush ; eyebrows rusty white, finely
mottled with black, and continued on each side of the head until they
unite on the nape, immediately over the crest ; the latter pale chesnut,
darkest towards the point; ear coverts wood-brown; chin and a blotch on
each side of the breast in front of wings white, the former divided along its
centre by a narrow black stripe broadest behind. Back, shoulders, scapulars,
and tertiary quill feathers, between ochre and cream-yellow ; all the feathers
finely variegated by numerous waved, somewhat transverse black lines, and
all except those of the back marked besides, by lanceolate black stripes
edo-ed and tipt with cream-yellow. The secondary wing coverts black
towards their quills, white towards their tips ; the last colour so disposed as to
form an oblique white band along the wing. Primary quill coverts and quill
feathers brownish black with transverse white blotches ; tail coverts and tail
feathers, white, closely barred by fine black lines, the lateral feathers broadly
tipt with pure black, the two middle ones crossed near their extremities by a
pure black band, which behind is edged w7ith white, the inner vanes of these
two feathers black at the points, the outer vanes black, with transverse white
lines. The breast, belly and under tail coverts, black. Upper mandible
and claws of a dark horn-colour ; the lower mandible greenish yellow towards
OTIS RUFICRISTA.
the base, dark horn coloured towards the point ; legs intermediate between
pale straw and wine-yellow; eyes reddish brown.
Form. — Neck long ; body slender ; nuchal crest about two inches long,
depressed and formed of fine silky feathers ; wings, when closed, extend
over the first half of the tail ; the innermost tertiaries longer than the primary
quill feathers ; — the second, third, and forth primaries nearly of equal length ;
the first rather shorter. The tail rounded at its extremity ; outer and inner
toes nearly of equal length.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches.
Length from the point of the bill to the
tip of the tail 22
of the tail
of the wings when folded 10f
of the hill 2
Inches. Lines.
Length of the tarsus 3 9
of the outer toe 0 8
of the middle toe 1 0
of the inner toe 0 6
The female differs so much from the male, that we shall give a figure and
description of her in a future number.
This species was first discovered in the vicinity of Latakoo, where it arrested our attention
by the peculiarity of its cry, which was intermediate between the harsh Mr Mr hac, of the Otis
Afra, Lin. and the croak of the Otis Vigorsi Smith. Besides the difference in the tone of its
cry, it also uttered its calls less frequently than the former, and, as far as we observed, only
while flving ; thus in the first peculiarity approaching the latter mentioned species, and in the
other differing from both. When disturbed, it flies but a short distance before it alights,
and when that has once happened, it is no easy task to start it a second time, owing to its
habit of squatting among the grass, and remaining tranquil even when almost touched by the
feet of the sportsman. It appeared almost exclusively restricted to grassy plains, and rarely
occurred in districts supplied with brushwood, from which circumstance only one or two speci-
mens were observed to the north of 25°. Insects, small lizards, scolopendra, &c, seemed to
constitute its favourite food, and besides the remains of these, abundance of small gravel was
also found in the stomachs of the individuals we procured, which were but few, owing to the
specimens being rare, at least in the directions in which we travelled.
PRIONOPS TALACOMA. — Smith.
Aves. — Plate V. (Male.)
P. capite supra pallide fusco-griseo, argcnteo-grisco umbrato ; genis albis postice fascia semilunari nigra
marginatis dorso humerisquc nigro-viridi-nitescentibus ; alis striga longitudinali alba notatis ;
remigibus primariis brunneis, primo exccpto, pogoniis internis fascia alba varicgatis, rectricibus
duabus intermediis viridi-nigris ; lateralibus versus apicem plus minusve albis ; rostro nigro , oculis
brunneis ; pedibus flavis.
Longitvjdo, 8 unc.
Prionops Talacoma, Rep. of Exp., page 45, June, 1836.
Colour. — The upper part of the head light pearl-grey with a dusky shade;
the cheeks white, margined behind by a black crescent ; the neck and the
under parts pure white ; the back and the wings a glossy greenish black ;
several of the shoulder feathers and secondary quill coverts nearly white, and
with the broad white edgings which occur upon the outer vanes of two or three
of the innermost secondary quill feathers, they form a continuous white stripe
along the wing. All the primary quill feathers, with the exception of the
first, have their inner vanes crossed by a broad white bar, that of the inner-
most being much nearer to the extremity of the feather than the outer-
most ; the secondary quill feathers all broadly tipt with white. The two
middle tail feathers greenish black ; the two outermost of each side pure
white, or with only a slight greenish black spot at their bases. The inter-
mediate feathers greenish black towards quills, white towards tips. Bill
black • feet pale yellow ; claws livid brown. Eyes dark brown, and sur-
rounded by a narrow membranous ring of a bright yellow colour.
p ^ Typical. The feathers of the forehead very rigid and wiry,
«nmp erect others directed forwards so as to conceal the nostrils ; emargina-
, , slioht • wings when folded reach over nearly the first half of
rt 1 he foXquiU feather the longest, the third and fifth of equal
^ 7 , Uttle shorter than the fourth ; the second and eighth nearly
S’ considerably shorter than the third , the tot not half the
taoth of the fourth. Toil even or very slightly rounded. Tars, rather
long, covered in front by transverse plates, and behind by a continuous
PRIONOPS TALACOMA.
horny shell ; the middle toe rather longer than the outermost, the innermost
slightly shorter than the latter, and of the same length as the liindermost ;
claws pointed and considerably curved.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
Length from the bill to the top of the
tail 8 0
of the tail 3 9
of the wings when folded 4 4
Length of tarsus
of the middle toe
of the inner toe. .
Inches. Lines.
. 1 1
. 0 6
. 0 4£
The female, as regards the colour of the plumage and the size, differs little
if at all from the male.
The first individuals of this species we obtained were killed in about 25° south latitude, and
from that parallel specimens continued to occur as far as we advanced to the northward. They
were generally observed among low bushes, in flocks of six or eight individuals, and either
actively engaged in traversing those bushes, or in exploring the grounds around them in search
of insects. The termites appeared to form their favorite food; and rarely was a specimen
obtained whose stomach did not contain them in abundance. It is a shy bird, and rather
noisy. In flying, sometimes all the individuals of the little flock utter their cries simultaneously,
and the same practice they frequently observe while searching for food on the ground, or upon
bushes. When the mere inclination of one of the flock induces it to fly, all the rest follow
the example, and together, wing their way to another locality. The present, the third
species yet discovered of the genus, is readily to be distinguished from the other two,
( Prionops Geoffroyi, Vieillot ; and Prionops cristatus, Ruppell), by its having no crest.
CRATE ROFTTS .TAE D I1ST ii.
( Aves — Plate 6.^)
i V.j
CRATEROPUS J A RD INI I. —Smith.
Aves. — Plate VI. (Male.)
C. olivaceo-brunneus guttis subalbidis parce notatus; gutture, pectore, abdomineque summo cinereo-
brunneis, albo-maculatis ; abdomine infimo, caudmque tectricibus infcrioribus flavo-cineraceis; rostro
nigro-fusco ; oculis, tarsisque brunneis.
Longitudo, 10 unc.
Ceateropus Jardixii, Rep. of Exped. page 45, June 1836.
Colour. — Above, olive brown ; the central portions of the feathers of the
upper surface of the head, blackish brown ; the points of these feathers, as well
as the points of those of the neck and anterior part of the back, marked each
with a dull rusty or greyish white spot. The chin, the throat, the breast, and
the anterior portion of the belly, ashy brown, each feather with an oblong or
spear-shaped pure white spot at its point ; the posterior portion of the belly,
the vent and the under tail-coverts yellowish grey ; the shaft of each of the
feathers towards the point, dull white. Shoulders and quill-feathers, dull
brown, the outer vanes of the latter slightly margined with a faint rusty
white colour ; the inner surface of the shoulders, and the inner margins
of the wing feathers, pale fulvous, which colour also prevails upon the sides
of the breast covered by the bases of the wings. Tail, dark brown ; the two
middle feathers towards quills strongly tinged with grey, and as well as the
lateral ones are crossed by numerous narrow dark bars, which are only
distinctly observed in certain lights.* Bill blackish brown ; eyes, legs, and
toes, dark brown ; claws, light brown.
Form, &c. — Bill nearly as long as the head, moderately strong, the upper
mandible distinctly emarginate near the point ; culrnen moderately curved and
slightly obtuse ; nasal fossa oval, the nostrils opening towards its inferior and
anterior margin ; the upper portion of the fossa is closed by a delicate horny
membrane ; a few strong black bristles near the angles of the mouth. Tarsi
strong, in front coated by broad transverse plates, behind and on the sides by a
continuous horny shell ; hinder toe the strongest and with the largest claw.
Wings short, rounded, and when closed cover the first third of the tail ; the
* This character occurs in many other species of the genus.
CRATEROPUS JARDINII.
innermost secondaries but very little shorter than the primaries. The 4th
primary quill feather longest, and scarcely exceeding the 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th,
the 3rd shorter than the 8th, and not quite so long as the shortest of the se-
condaries ; the 1st about half the length of the 4th. Tail broad and rounded
at the extremity. The feathers of the head, neck, throat, and breast, rigid :
those immediately in front of the eyes wiry and decomposed.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
Length from the tip of the bill to the
extremity of tho tail 10 0
of the tail 5 0
of the wings when folded.. — 4 6
of the bill from the angle of
the mouth
Inches. Lines.
Length of the tarsus 1 6
of the hinder toe 0 5
of the middle toe 0 8^
In the female the general colours are less bright, and the white spots are
not so pure, particularly those on the throat and breast.
The first specimens of this bird were obtained in latitude 25° 24' S., and, as we have reason
to believe, upon the extreme limit of its southern range. Where the species was first disco-
vered, only a very few specimens were observed ; but, by the time we had reached a degree
more to the northward, they occurred in great abundance. Spots covered with reeds, such as
are seen along the margins of many of the rivers of the country they inhabit, appeared to form
their favorite feeding places ; and though, when disturbed, they would leave those for a time,
and take up their abode among the brush— wood with which the banks of the streams were
more or less covered, they invariably returned to the haunts they had left when the cause
which led them to remove had ceased to exist. While lodged among the reeds they were
almost incessantly in motion ; and, from their being generally associated in great numbers, the
noise occasioned, partly by their flitting from one stein to another or climbing, and partly by
the harsh cries they uttered, more especially on the appearance of danger, rendered even a tem-
porary residence in the vicinity of their haunts quite disagreeable. Though they evidently pre-
ferred, as resorts, the situations described, yet, where reeds did not occur, they were occa-
sionally found among the brushwood remote from rivers ; and in these positions they also
displayed an extremely restless disposition ; scarcely were they observed to enter a bush or
thicket before they were seen leaving it from the opposite side, for an adjacent one. Though
such was their common practice, there were times when they appeared less disposed to hasty
changes, and when they were to be noticed, not simply following a tortuous course, but even
ascending and descending among the branches ; nay, even visiting the ground below and
around the bushes. As far as we had opportunities of judging, they feed exclusively upon in-
sects; and those which were killed when among the reeds, seemed to have committed great
havoc upon the larvae of Gryllidce, &c. while those obtained among the biushvvood appeared
principally to have fed upon coleopterous insects.
I
EUPLECTES T AHA A. Male- . _B . Female .
( Are s. Plate 7.)
J
EUPLECTES TAHA.— Smith.*
Aves. — Plate VII. — (Male.)
Mas in cest. E. niger ; capite superne, dorso, caudse tectricibus superioribus et inferioribus, fasciaque
ante bumeros flavis ; liumeris, remigibus, rectridbusque cinereo-brunneis ; oculis brunneis ; pedibus
flavo-brunneis.
Longitudo, 4 unc. 9 lin.
Mas in liyem ., et Fem. E. supra pallide flavo-brunneus, nigro-striatus ; subtus dnereo-albus lineis
brunneis variegatus ; gutture pectoreque ochreo tinctis ; striga superciliari flavescenti-alba.
Colour. — (Male, summer plumage.) The crown of the head, the back, the
upper and under tail-coverts, the vent, and a narrow oblique stripe on each
side of the breast immediately in front of the shoulders, bright yellow ;
shoulders, quill feathers, and tail, grey-brown ; the shoulder feathers, and the
outer vanes of the quill feathers, faintly edged with dirty white ; insides of
shoulders pale cream-yellow verging on white ; thighs pale yellow, freckled
with brown. The space in front of the eyes, the sides of the head, a stripe
on each side of back adjoining the bases of the wings and all the under parts
of the body as far as the vent, deep brownish black. Bill light umber-brown,
the lower mandible lightest. Feet and claws yellowish brown ; eyes brown.
(Male, winter plumage.) Above, pale yellowish brown ; the head, neck, and
interscapulars, freely dashed with longitudinal brownish black stripes or
blotches, and the back and upper tail coverts with faint narrow stripes of the
same colour ; shoulder feathers blackish brown edged with rusty white ;
quills and tail grey-brown, the former margined externally with rusty white,
the latter margined on both vanes and tipt with the same colour. Eyebrows
yellowish white ; ear coverts pale rusty brown ; under parts of body greyish
white, the throat and breast tinged with sienna yellow, and these as well as
the flanks are variegated by longitudinal brown stieaks. Bill, particulaily
the lower mandible, lighter than in the summer season.
* In bringing tliis bird under the notice of our readers, I have not adopted the generic term {Oryx)
introduced by Lesson, (Traite d’Ornithologie, tom. i. fol. 437- Paris 1831.) who first established the
genus to which it belongs, merely because the same term had previously been selected by Col. H. Smith,
(The Animal Kingdom, translated by E. Griffith, vol. 5.) to designate one of the forms of the
Antelopidw.
EUPLECTES TAPIA.
Form, &c. — Typical. Wings, when folded, reach over the first half of the
tail ; the first, or spurious quill feather, very small, the second but very little
shorter than the third, which is the longest ; tail even. Tarsi rather slender;
outer and inner toes of equal length, and rather longer than the hinder one,
the middle toe considerably longest; claws long, slender, and but slightly
curved.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
Length from the tip of the bill to the
point of the tail 4 9
of the tail 1 5
of the wings when closed 2 7
Inches. Lines.
Length of the tarsus 0 9
the middle toe 0 7
the outer toe 0 4^
the hinder toe 0 4
The adult female, during the summer and winter exhibits nearly the same
coloured plumage as the male in winter.
The present species is more nearly allied to Euplectes melanogaster, ( Loxia melanogaster,
Lath.) than to any other species of the genus yet described ; it is, however, readily to be
distinguished from it, by the under part of the body being black, while in E. melanogaster, the
middle of the breast and belly only are black, the sides being yellow.
Immediately preceding the breeding season, the birds of this species begin to moult, at
which time the new feathers of the males appear with the colours described, and these
colours they retain until the approach of autumn, when they gradually lose them, and assume
the tints of the females. The species does not appear to extend south of 26°, at least we dis-
covered no individuals prior to reaching that latitude ; and the natives more to the southward,
appeared unacquainted with the bird. In the districts to the north of 26°, however, it was
common, and large flocks were often observed among the trees near to the banks of
rivers. Though they were generally among trees at the time we passed through the country?
we were informed they leave them on the commencement of the breeding season, for the reeds
which here and there skirt the rivers, and from those they suspend their nests. Like Euplectes
oryx, they prove very destructive to gardens during the summer season, and it requires some
of the natives to be constantly on watch to save their crops from being entirely devoured by
the one or other of these species.
It may not be out of place to mention that the species of this genus inhabiting Southern
Africa are
Euplectes oryx, ( Loxia oryx, Lin.)
Euplectes Capensis, ( Loxia Capensis, Lin.)
Euplectes Tafia, Smith.
PHILETiERUS LEPIDUS.— Smith.
Aves— Plate VIII. (Male.)
P. capite dorsoque pffidJ i coll, sup™, intenc.pd.ribuaq™ »f'
L»mJL.S remigibus redridbusqu, .picbu. »»»>,,
basin Jn nigris; ganis, die subins, pcot.se u.ntoque pallidb ..abcllm.s, r.tt. loug.iud.nab
femora nigra, plumis albo-marginatis ; oculis brunneis; rostro pedibusque palhcis.
Longitudo, 4f unc.
Loxia socia, Latham , Paters Voy. PL 19.
Ploceus socius, Cuv. Reg. Animal, tom. i. p. 384. 181/.
PHILETiERUS LEPIDUS, Smith, Mag. of Nat. History, new series, vol. i. p. 536.
Euplectes LEPIDUS, Swainson, Lard. Cab. Cyclopedia, vol. Menageries, page 309.
Colour.— The top of the head, the nape and the back drab brown ; the
back and sides of neck, and the interscapulars umber-brown ; each ieatnei
margined with pale Isabella colour; chin, and a stripe at the base ot tne
bill which terminates on a line with the eye, black. The wings ant a.
light umber-brown ; the tertiary quill feathers broadly edged and tipt wit i
isabella colour ; the tail feathers also that colour at their extremities. je
sides of the head, the under part of the neck, the breast and belly, a pa e
isabella colour; the flanks pale rusty brown; in front of each thigh a deep
black stripe; the feathers margined with yellowish white. Bill and egs a
pale horn coiouv, the former slightly clouded with brow. Eyes dark browu.
„ Figure rather slender ; bill more compressed than m Euplectes ;
FoRM, &C; .F e a fl from the base; commissure sinuated; legs and toes
culmen slightly ^iche b transverse plates, the margins of which are
strong ; tarsi .in , fron ^ nearly of equal length ; claws pointed
distinctly defined, oute proportion as in the typical
and much curved, the hinder one so lo^ l ^ ^ middle of the
species of Euplectes; wings, w K:” . ’ short, often scarcely discernible ;
extremity of the tail slightly lounded
PHILETiEBUS LEPIDUS.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches.
Lines.
Inches.
Lines.
Length from the bill to the point of
Length of the tarsi
0
8
the tail
4
9
the outer toe . .
0
34
of the tail
2
0
the middle toe
0
54
of the wings when folded
2
10
the hinder toe
0
of the bill from the gape
0
7
The female differs from the male in
having the feathers
of the back
and
sides of neck and the interscapulars light brown in place of umber-brown.* In
young specimens the head is streaked with brown, the patch in front of the
thighs consists of perfectly distinct black blotches, and no appearance of
black exists either on the chin or at the base of the bill.
The banks of the Orange river appear to constitute the southern limit of this bird’s range ;
but specimens were only obtained in great abundance in the districts around Latakoo, far from
water. The most striking peculiarity observed in the species, is the extraordinary manner in
which a number of individuals associate, and build their nests under a common roof. When
a nestling place has been selected, and the operation of building the nests is to be com-
menced ah initio, the community immediately proceed conjointly to construct the general
covering which interests them all ; that being accomplished, each pair begins to form their own
nest, which, like the roof, they construct of coarse grass : these are placed side by side against
the under surface of the general covering, and by the time they are all completed, the lower
surface of the mass exhibits an appearance of an even horizontal surface, freely perforated
by small circular openings.
They never use the same nests a second time, though they continue for many years attached
to the same roof. With the return of the breeding season, fresh nests are formed upon the
lower surface of those of the previous year, which then form an addition to the general cover-
ing. In this manner they proceed, year after year adding to the mass, till at last the weight
often becomes such as to cause the destruction of its support, upon which a new building-
place is selected. I hey appear to prefer constructing these nests upon large and lofty trees,
but where such do not occur, they will even condescend to form them upon the leaves of the
arborescent aloe { A loe cuhoiescens'), as occasionally happens towards the Orange river. The
commencement of the roof is firmly interwoven with the branches of the trees to which it is
intended to be suspended ; and often a great part of a principal branch is actually included
within its substance. Each female lays from three to four eggs, which are of a bluish-white
colour, and freely mottled towards the large end with small brown dots. When once this
species has attained maturity, it never afterwards exhibits any change in respect to colours.
The male has no summer tints which he throws aside in winter, as is the case in Euplectes.
Seeds, and occasionally small insects, constitute the food.
* By a mistake, it was stated in the description of this bird, when it was proposed as a type of a
sub-genus, that the female was without the black chin.
(
MEROPS BULLOCTtOIDES .
(Asr&s —Plate 9.)
MEROPS BULLOCKOIDES.*— Smith.
Aves. — Plate IX. (Male.)
M. fronte subalbida ; vertice pallide ceeruleo-viridi ; cervice, pcctore, abdomineque summo pallide cinna-
momeis ; dorso, kumeris, caudaque viridibus ; caudse tectricibus superioribus inferioribusque cyaneis ;
taenia per oculos nigra subtus albo-marginata ; gula alba ; gutture coccineo ; rectricium secundariarum
apicibus nigris.
Longittjdo, unc.
Merops Bullockoides. South African Quarterly Journal, 1 834.
Colour. — Front whitish ; top of the head pale bluish green ; the back and
sides of the neck, the breast, and the belly, pale cinnamon brown ; vent dirty
green ; back, wings and tail light grass-green ; the upper and under tail
coverts, and a spot on each side at the base of the thigh ultra-marine blue. The
side of the head crossed by a deep black band, edged below with white, which
colour also prevails on the chin ; throat scarlet ; the inner surface of the
shoulder, and the edges of the inner vanes of quill feathers fulvous, the
secondaries broadly tipt with black ; the inner vanes of the tail feathers, with
the exception of the two centre ones, margined with dull brown. Bill and
claws black ; legs and toes greenish black. Eyes crimson.
Form, &c.— Bill broad at the base, slightly curved, the culmen carinated
and moderately arched; nostrils oval and partially covered by recumbent
wiry feathers or short black bristles. Wings, when closed, reach to about the
commencement of the last third of the tail ; the third and fourth quill feathers
the longest, the second and fifth nearly equal, the first about half the length
of the third. One or two of the tertiary wing feathers nearly as long as the
primaries. The extremity of the tail square or very slightly rounded.
* So named from its general resemblance to Merops Bullockii.
MEROPS BULLOCKOIDES.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
Length from the tip of the bill to the
point of the tail 7 6
of the tail 4 0
of the bill from the angle of
the mouth 1 7
Inches. Lines.
Length of the wings when closed 4 6
of the tarsus 0 3^
of the middle toe 0 3
of the hinder toe 0 2
The female resembles the male, with the exception that the colours are not
quite so bright.
Between this species and Merops Bullockii many discrepancies might be
instanced, but the diagnostic character, which will prove the most readily
available, is the colour of the upper tail coverts. In the present species, this
colour is invariably similar to that of the lower ones, whereas in Merops
Bullockii it is very different.
It was not until the expedition attained the 25° of south latitude that this bird was disco-
vered, though north of that it appeared not uncommon. When observed, it was generally
either perched upon the tops of trees, along the immediate banks of rivers, or in the act of
making short circuits through the air, apparently in chase of flying insects. As may be infer-
red from the structure of its wings, it is not a bird which flies for any great length of time
without resting ; it seeks its food during frequent low and short flights, and after each of these,
often returns to the perch from whence it proceeded. In respect of its habits, as well as its
wings, it closely resembles Merops Erythropterus, Lin. ; but, in regard to both these ehaiacters,
it differs from the other species of the genus yet observed in South Africa. Upon the modified
structure of the wings in this species and M. Erythropterus may depend the circumstance of their
being permanent inhabitants of the districts where they arc found, and where they encounter
a cold during the winter much more severe than ever occurs farther to the southward, and from
which the Merops Apiaster, Lin. M. Savignii, Levaill. and M. chrysolaimus, Jard., fly towards
the end of summer. From observations I have had occasion to make, I think it probable that
the migrations, both of birds and quadrupeds, will be found often to depend more upon causes
which have hitherto been comparatively overlooked, than upon any absolute deficiency of food
in the countries from whence they retire. Connected with this opinion, I may instance the cir-
cumstance of a species of swallow, which inhabits the mountains of the Cape Colony during
the summer months, repairing in the winter to the vicinity of houses left, by another species,
on the approach of the cold season. It there finds food sufficient for its support, till the other
species, gifted with more vigorous powers of flight, and a superior courage, returns and drives
it back again to situations which it had for a time abandoned.
PTEROCLES YARIEGATUS.
Aves. — Plate X. (Male.) — Burchell.*
Mas. P. fronte nigra ; capite supra ochreo, nigro brnnncoquo variegato ; monto, capitis lateribus stria-
que superciliari argentco-griseis ; collo supra, dorso, liumerisque olivaceo-brunneis guttis albis sparsis ;
humerorum plumis quibusdara subrufis ; corpora subtus rufo-brunneo abdoraine pallidiori ; gutture
pectoreque guttis albis variegatis ; tcetricibus primariis remigibusquo brunneis, lioruxn interioribus
albo-tcrminatis ; racbidibus ad apicern brunneis, versus basin albis ; rectricibus duabus intermediis
olivaceo-brunneis, pogoniis cxternis rufo-albo-subfasciatis, reliquis brunneo-nigris ; pogoniis cxternis
rufo-albo-subfasciatis ; apicibus omnibus pallide ochreis ; rostro unguibusque nigro-brunncis ; oculis
brunneis ; pedibus livido-brunncis.
Fern. Mento, capitis lateribus stridque superciliari pallide ocbreis ; abdominc pallide rufo-brunneo, albo
fasciato ; rectricibus nigro-brunneis sordide albo-subfasciatis : coloribus reliquis fere ut in mari.
Colour. — Feathers immediately behind nostrils black ; f upper surface of
head mottled with longitudinal stripes of ochry-yellow and dark umber-
brown ; chin, sides of head, and a stripe over each eye, silvery-grey ; bare
space round eye light yellow. The upper surface of the neck, the back, the
upper tail coverts, and the shoulders, light olive-brown, with a strong shade
of yellow, and freely sprinkled with small round white spots, — one spot on the
margin of each web ; some of the shoulder feathers, particularly towards the
wing coverts, intermediate between gall-stone yellow and reddish orange.
The feathers of several of the parts enumerated are towards their bases either
a light brown or an umber-brown, more or less glossed with gi'ey, and it is
only towards their tips that they exhibit the olive-brown tint. Primary wing
coverts, and the primary and secondary quill feathers light umber-brown ; all
the primaries excepting the two or three outermost, tipt with white ; some of
the innermost tertiaries and the scapulars brown, glossed with grey, and tipt
with greenish yellow, each vane marked with a round white spot ; the shafts of
both primaries and secondaries pure white, except towards their points, where
they are of the same colour as the webs of the feathers. Secondary quill co-
verts wood-brown, glossed with grey, and tipt, and partially edged with white.
Under-surface of the neck and the breast rufous brown, sparingly spotted
with white ; belly and inner surface of shoulders, and a stripe behind each eye,
the same colour as the breast, only much paler; legs and under tail-cot eits
pale ochre-yellow. The two centre feathers of the tail olive-brown, partially
barred with tawny white, the remaining featheis biownish black, with one 01
* Travels in South Africa, vol. ii. p. 345.
t In some individuals the black is less intense, but in all the adult specimens of the species I have
seen, it has always been very distinct.
PTEROCLES VARIEGATUS.
two partial tawny bars upon their inner vanes ; the tips of all pale ochre-
yellow. Bill and claws umber-brown ; eyes dark brown ; toes livid brown.*
Form, &c. 'Typical. Bill short and slender ; wings when folded, reach to
within about half an inch of the point of the tail ; first quill feather longest,
and slightly exceeding the second ; the remainder successively decrease in
length ; the longest of the tertiaries rather exceeding the length of the
seventh primary quill feather ; tail cuneated, the two centre feathers slightly
prolonged beyond those on each side of them and accuminated ; lateral toes
equal.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches.
Lines.
Inches.
Lines.
Length from the base of the bill to the
Length of the tarsus
i
tip of the tail
9
6
of the middle toe
9
of the tail
3
3
of the outer toe
0
6
of the wings when folded
6
5
of bill from the angle of the
mouth
0
ry
i
In the female, the chin, the sides of the head, and the stripe over the eyes
is ochre-yellow, instead of silvery grey; the belly is pale yellowish brown,
bailed with dusky white ; along its centre the first colour is often almost um-
ber-brown ; the feathers of the flanks are light brown tipt with white ; all the
tail feathers blackish brown, partially barred on both vanes with tawny white
and tipt with ochre- yellow ; elsewhere the colour of the plumage is nearly
the same as in the male.
The first specimens of this species which we procured, were obtained at Tsining, about
thirty miles to the westward of Latakoo. The habit of repairing to springs, or other collections
of water, at fixed periods, to drink, is common to it, with the other species of the genus
Pterocles. Early in the morning, between the hours of seven and nine, appeared to be the
time destined for the present species to quench its thirst, and between those hours specimens
were to be obtained in abundance, wherever water was accessible, both to the west and north
of Latakoo. Like Pterocles gutturalis, they feed singly, or in pairs, and like the latter, con-
gregate before they reach their drinking-places, and generally appear in larger flights, owing,
no doubt, to the members of this species being more numerous. In their progress to and from
these places of daily resort, in common with Pterocles tachypetes, Temm., P. bicinctus, Temm.,
P. simplex, Lesson, and P. gutturalis, they fly at a great height, and suddenly descend, when
they approach the water, or their feeding grounds, and even on some occasions, the descent is
not commenced before they are directly over the spot where it is their object to alight. On
such occasions they require to form a semi-circular or circular movement before they can reach
the desired spot. In the stomachs of this species were found seeds, small bulbs, and abund-
ance of fine gravel.
* No two specimens of this species exhibit exactly the same intensity of tints, and often not even what
would be described as the same colour.
ACCIPITER POLYZONOIDES.— Smith.
Aves— Plate XI. (Female.)
A supra cinereus brunneo-umbratus, subtus albus; galk guttureque leviter fusco-subfasciatis ; pectore
abdomineque rubro-brunneo-fasciatia ; capitis cervicisque lateribus palUde griseia ; remigibus pri-
mariis pallide brunneia, pogoniis internis nigro-brunneo-fasciatis ; sccundariis griseis, pogonns albo-
marginatis et fasciis nigro-brunneia notatis ; cauda subtus alba fasciis sex nigro-brunneis instructa.
Longittjdo 13 unc.
Colour. — Above, pearl-grey shaded with brown, the latter colour particu-
larly distinct upon the interscapulars : the feathers of the nape ot the neck are
pure white except at the points. Space below the eyes, ear coverts and sides
of the neck dull pearl-grey ; chin and throat white freckled with light brown,
the latter colour in the form of short indistinct bars. Breast, belly and thighs
white, closely banded with narrow, slightly undulated, reddish brown bars ;
vent and under tail coverts pure white. Shoulder coverts dark leaden grey,
slightly tinged with brown; primary quill coverts dull blackish brown; the
outer vanes of the primary quill feathers, and the last two-thirds of the inner
vanes light brown, the first third white ; each of the latter vanes are crossed
by a number of black-brown bars amounting on the longest feathers to ten
or eleven in number; the secondaries pearl-grey, the inner vanes broadly
edged with white in addition to being crossed by several narrow black-brown
bars. The two centre feathers of the tail and the outer vanes ol the remaindei
pearl-grey, faintly flushed with brown ; the inner vanes white, and all the vanes
excepting the outer one of the outermost feather of each side crossed by six
black-brown bands, the one nearest the point the broadest; on several of the
inner vanes more or less of the spaces between the bands are of the same
colour as the outer vanes ; the tips of all the feathers white. The cere and
le°s light saffron yellow ; bill and claws brownish black, the edge of the
upper mandible near the angle of the mouth, and the base of the lower one
j.,11 vellow. Eyes bright orange.
p * & —Typical • bill strongly arched from the base, and considerably
compressed festoon of upper mandible only slightly developed; ta*d and
comp resse 1 , . tlin divisions of the plates and scales of the former
toes moderately ^ £„ger than the hinder one; the
scarcely percep ’ compressed and pointed. The wmgs when folded
claws much curv , 0 the fourth quill feather rather
rencb rather beyond the first halt oi me » / „ . . ..
the longest, the third and fifth a little shorter and nearly of equal length.
Tail long and slightly rounded at the point.
ACCIPITER POLYZONOIDES.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
Length from the tip of the bill to the
point of the tail 13 0
of the bill to the angle of the
mouth 0 10
of the wings when folded 7 9
Length of the tail
the tarsus
the outer toe
the middle toe.
the inner toe...
Inches, Lines.
. 6 0
. 1 9
■ 0 7
. 0 104
. 0 6
The male is rather smaller than the female, but the colours are nearly alike.
Only a few specimens of this species were obtained, and those to the north of 26° south
latitude. Their manner of flight was exactly that of the common sparrow-hawk, and they
frequented principally the banks of rivers where small birds, upon which they appeared chiefly
to depend for their food, were abundant.
Theie are three South African species of the genus Accipiter, with which the present species
may, at first sight, possibly be confounded. From the first, Accipiter poly zonus, Temm., it is
readily to be distinguished merely by its inferior size, and the lighter tints of its upper plumage,
but should more definite diagnostic characters be required, they will be found in the colouring
of the tail. In A. polyzonus almost the whole colour of the tail consists of three dark transverse
bands ; those of the inner vanes of the two middle feathers being distinctly edged, anteriorly,
with pure white. From the second, A. gabar, it will at once be distinguished by its wanting the
white rump ; and from the third, A. minulus, by its superior size, and by the bands of its tail
being more numerous : In A. minulus there are only three bands, each of which is very broad.
These three, however, are not the only species with which it may possibly be confounded •
there is another belonging to the East Indies, to which it approaches even more closely; indeed'
the resemblance between them is so great, that we were at first disposed to regard them as
identical. Upon close examination, however, we were able to detect many discrepancies. The
characters of the species discovered by the Expedition, having been already given, we' shall
therefore, only instance certain appearances of the Accipiter Desumierii, the name given to
the Indian form by Temminck* and leave the reader to refer to the description of the cor-
responding parts of our species. In A. Desumierii, the bill is rather large for the size of the
bird, and is broad and convex, particularly towards the base; the cere is livid; the festoon is
much developed, and marked with a large yellow blotch ; the eyebrows and space in front of
the eyes are white ; the sides of the head, the ear coverts, and the sides of the neck are light
nifous, the two first slightly mottled with short delicate brown stripes; the chin and throat are
white, with a dark central line; the breast and belly are banded with rufous. The wings
when folded do not reach so far as the first half of the tail ; the bands of the tail are narrow,
and in adult specimens rarely extend across the outer vanes ; the two middle tail feathers are
of a uniform grey colour, and without any appearance of bands ; the tarsi are two inches
and two lines in length.
In addition to the species here figured, the following specimens of the genus Accipiter occur
in South Africa.
Accipiter polyzonus. Falco polyzonos, Temm.
Accipiter gabar. Le Gabar, Levaill. Ois. d’Afrique, pi. 33.
Accipiter niger. Sparvius niger, Vieill. Gal. des. Ois. pi. 22.
Accipiter tachero. Le Tachero, Levaill. Ois. d’Afrique, pi. 24.
Accipiter minulus. Le Minule, Levaill. Ois. d’Afrique, pi. 34.
Accipiter rufiventris. Falco exilis, Temm. PI. col. pi. 496.
* Planches colores, Plate 496.
FRAN CO UN US SWAIN 50 -NT I .
( AvT'S- Plate .12.)
FRANCO LINUS SWAINSONII. — Smith.
Aves. — Plate XII. (Male.)
F. capite griseo-brunneo ; mento, gutturc, spatioque circa oculos denudatis et rubris ; colli partibus su-
perioribus, lateralibusque nigro-brunncis strigis albis yariegatis ; corporis partibus superioribus pal-
lide flavo-brunneis strigis liueisque instructis ; partibus inferioribus flavo-griscis strigis brunneis no-
tatis, abdominis plumis prseterea strigis castaneis ; rcmigibus primariis, secundariisque pallide brun-
neis, harum marginibus externis subochreis brunneo-variegatis ; caudi subochrea, lineis brunneis
variegata.
Longitudo 14 unc.
Perdix Swainsonii, Rep. of Exped. App. page 54, June 1836.
Colour. — The tints of this bird are of a dull and somewhat sombre cast.
The chin, the throat, and a space round the eyes, are bare, and ot a colour
intermediate between lake and vermilion red ; the top of the head is broccoli-
brown ; the upper and lateral parts of the neck umber-brown, or blackish
brown, with white variegations, the latter in the shape of short narrow stripes,
one upon the outer, and another upon the inner edge, of each feather. The
interscapulars, back, and shoulders, pale yellowish brown, more or less
glossed with grey, and each feather has a dark stripe in the course of the
shaft, and some fine brown undulations, or narrow oblique lines upon both
vanes. Under parts a rusty, or yellowish grey, the breast and lower part of
the neck darkest, and each feather is marked, in the course of the shaft, by a
dark umber-brown stripe, which increases in width towards its hinder extre-
mity ; in some lights many of the feathers appear distinctly margined with sil-
very grey : the feathers of the belly are each marked, besides, by four addi-
tional narrow stripes, two upon the outer edge of each vane, the outermost
stripe bright chesnut, the innermost yellowish white, and not always very dis-
tinctly defined : the feathers of the flanks, thighs, and vent, have only the
central brown stripe, but the vanes are finely mottled with minute brown dots,
or delicate undulated lines. The primary wing coverts are umber-brown ; the
primary and secondary quill feathers yellowish brown, the vanes of the latter
towards their outer edges, and most of the tertiaries dusky buff, finely mot-
tled, or undulated with brown. Tail dusky buff, freely variegated with ob-
lique, waved, narrow brown lines. Upper mandible dark horn colour ; eyes
dark brown ; legs, toes, spurs, and nails, greenish-brown.
Form, &c.— Typical ; bill lengthened, strong, and considerably arched, with
the edges of the upper mandible overlying the lower, and inclosing it.
Chin, throat, and space round the eyes, denuded of feathers, and slightly
FRAN COLINU S SWAINSONII.
wrinkled. Wings when folded reach nearly to the commencement of the last
half of the tail; the first quill feather very narrow and spurious, the fourth,
fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth, nearly of equal lengths, and the longest,
the second about an inch and a half shorter than the third, and nearly
intermediate between it and the longest feathers; some of the tertiaries
rather exceed, in length, the longest primaries. Tarsi, and toes, moderately
robust, each of the former armed with two spurs, the lowermost long, slightly
curved, and pointed, the uppermost about a line and a half in length, and
blunt at the point ; outer toe rather longer than the innermost one ; scales on
the hinder parts of the tarsi small, when compared with those in front.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
Length from the tip of the hill to the
end of the tail 14 0
of the bill from the angle of
the mouth 1 3
of the wings when folded 8 3
Inches. Lines.
Length of the tail 3 6
of the tarsus 2 10
of the middle toe 1 5
of the outer toe ] l
The female has no spurs to the tarsi, but in other respects she closely re-
sembles the male.
The first specimens of this Francolin were discovered in a valley immediately south of
Kurichane, and at a time when they (five in number,) were perched upon the branches of a
decayed tree, near the margin of a small rivulet. To trees so circumstanced, these birds
generally repair, on the approach of night, and there remain till the break of day again invites
them to their feeding places, which are commonly the immediate banks of rivers. Among the
grass which clothes such localities, these birds wander during the greater part of the day, and
when they are surprised in their retreats, they run with considerable speed, and unless when
sharply pressed, generally prefer that manner of effecting their escape to flying. The slightest
alarm causes them to bend their course towards the jungle, in the densest parts of which they
conceal themselves until the danger is passed, and on such occasions they not unfrequently
perch upon shrubs which are fully covered with foliage. When feeding, particularly in the
morning, early, and also occasionally towards evening, they utter their harsh and frequent
calls, and these are often responded to by others of the species, who may be scattered at a
distance in the surrounding valleys. They feed upon small bulbs and insects, and also swallow
a considerable quantity of gravel.
FRAN COLIN US NATAL ENT S IS
(Arcs Flat© 13.)
FRAN CO LIN US NAT A LENS IS. — (Smith.)*
Aves. — Plate XIII. (Male.)
F. capite supra brunneo, fusco-tseniolato; fronte superciliis, capitis lateribusque albis, maculis brunneis
notatis; cervice colli lateribusque brunneis albo-strigatis ; dorso humerisque flavo-brimneis, fusco
subochreoque variegatis ; mento albo, brunneo- notato ; gutture, pectore, abdomineque nigro-brunneis ;
fasciis maculisque albis atque irregularibus variegatis, plumis albo-marginatis. Cauda davo-brunnca,
fusco-taeniolatd ; rostro rubro-aurantio ; pedibus aurantiis ; oculis fuscis.
Longitudo 13 unc.
Colour, &c. — The upper surface of the head dark wood-brown, finely
barred with umber-brown ; the front, the eyebrows, and the sides of the head
white and closely speckled with umber-brown ; space immediately behind
each eye, and the ear-coverts light brown ; back and sides of the neck dark
umber-brown, and variegated with short white streaks, from most of the
feathers being edged with white : some of the feathers of these parts are
marked, besides, with one or more imperfect white bars, and many of them
have the shaft of a bright chesnut hue. Back and shoulders yellowish brown,
and freely variegated with umber-brown and sienna yellow markings : — the
umber-brown in the form of longitudinal stripes along the middle of the
feather, and of delicate, zig-zag bars across the vanes : — the sienna yellow,
between the bars, disposed in the form of small stripes and irregular blotches.
The under parts are mottled-white and blackish brown : on the chin and
upper part of the throat, white is the predominant colour, and the dark
markings consist of small oval spots, one near the centre of each feather : on
the breast and belly the light and dark colours are nearly in equal propor-
tions, the central portion of each feather is black-brown, more or less
completely broken into angular bars by a series of irregular white spots
which occur on each side of the shaft, the margins and tips of all the feathers
white ; vent and under tail-coverts pale yellowish brown, variegated with
imperfect rusty-white and umber-brown bars ; thighs rusty-white, irregularly
barred with pale brown. Primary quill coverts and the quill-feathers
broccoli-brown : — the outer vanes of the former and of some of the primary
quill feathers finely freckled with pale cream-yellow ; the outer vanes of the
innermost primaries partially barred with light yellowish brown, and the
inner vanes faintly and sparingly speckled with the same colour; the
secondary and most of the tertiary quill feathers yellowish brown, each with
several broad umber-brown bars, the spaces between which are crossed by
numerous undulated lines of umber-brown. Tail light yellowish brown,
crossed with numerous fine zig-zag umber-brown lines. The culmen between
the nostrils, the membrane covering the latter, and the edges of the mandibles
* South African Quarterly Journal, 2nd Series, No. I. Part ii. page 48. November, 1833.
FRANCOLINUS NATALENSIS.
towards the angles of the mouth greenish yellow ; the remainder of the bill
intermediate, between yellow and reddish orange. Legs, toes, claws, and
spurs orange yellow ; eyes dark brown.
Form, &c. — Typical. Bill moderately thick, and the upper mandible
considerably longer than the lower, rather broad and flattened at the tip,
culmen strongly arched. First quill-feather rudimentary, the fifth, sixth and
seventh of equal length, and longest; the fourth, third, and second diminish
successively in length. Wings, when folded, reach to about the commence-
ment of the second-third of the tail. The tail is slightly rounded. Legs and
toes strong ; the hinder part of the tarsus above the spur is covered with two
rows of moderately large and nearly circular scales. Spur single, rather
short, and situated nearer to the hinder toe than to the knee-joint.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
Length from the point of the bill to the
tip of the tail 13 6
of the bill from the angle of
the mouth 1 3
of the wings when folded 6 8
In the adult female the colours are
She is readily to be distinguished from
tarsus.
Inches. Lines.
Length of the tail 3 6
of the tarsus 2 8
of the middle toe 1 0
of the hinder toe 0 5
nearly similar to those of the male,
the latter, by wanting the spur of the
Specimens of this species were found, though not in great numbers, on the banks of several of
the rivers towards the tropic of Capricorn. They appeared only to frequent the jungle, and
wherever they were disturbed in localities where the bush was scanty, they instantly retreated
towards situations better calculated for concealment.
In 1831, I found specimens of the same species, both to the eastward and westward of Port
Natal, and in those situations no individuals were ever seen beyond the jungle ; the present,
like the other South African species, feeds upon small bulbs, seeds, and insects, and generally
roosts during the night upon trees.
Though I have adopted the subgenus Francolinus, and referred to it all the Cape species,
on account of the males being supplied with one or more spurs to the tarsi, yet I am neverthe-
less convinced it will eventually be found necessary to sink that subgenus, as permanent charac-
ters are not to be found which will enable us to distinguish female Francolins from Partridges.
South African
Francolinus clamator Temm.
Francolinus midcollis Temm.
Francolinus Afer Temm.
Francolinus Levaillantii Lesson.
Francolinus Swainsonii Smith.
of the Genus.
Francolinus pileatus Smith.
Francolinus Natalensis Smith.
Francolinus subtorquatus Smith.
Francolinus Gariepensis* Smith.
Francolinus adspersus Waterhouse.
Species
* A figure of this species will be given in an early number.
FRAN CO LINUS PI1EATUS.
( Ares — Plate 14.)
FRANCOLINUS PI LEATUS.— Smith.
Aves. — Plate XIV. (Male.)
F. capite supra sordide griseo, brutmeo variegato ; interscapularlbus, cervicis parte superiore lateribusque
lucide rubro-brunueis, partis superioris plumis in medio albo strigatis, laterumque albo-marginatis ;
dorso flavo- griseo, brunneo-umbrato ; rcmigibus primariis secundariisque brutmeis, harum margini-
bus exterioribus albis, illarum versus basin subochreis ; striga supra subtusque oculos alba ; pcctoro,
ventrequokpallide ocbreis, hoc fasciis gracilibus brunneis, illo maculis rubro-brunneis notatis ; pedibus
aurantiis.
Longitudo 13 unc. 6 lin.
Pbedix Sepiiaena, Rep. of Exped., page 55, June 1S36.
Colour. — The upper surface of the head is rusty grey, clouded with
brown ; but the extent to which the brown appears depends upon the position
of the feathers. When the latter are disposed in their natural order, little of
the brown colour is seen ; but when they are deranged, and their brown bases
exposed, then the proportion of the latter colour is considerable. The back
and sides of the neck, together with the interscapulars, are intermediate
between brownish orange and reddish brown ; the feathers of the former are
broadly margined with white, and those of the latter are marked each with a
broad white stripe along the centre ; in some of them the stripe is divided
longitudinally by a narrow black line, and in others it is margined on each
side by a brownish stripe. Back and upper tail coverts yellowish grey ; the
former faintly clouded with brown, and the latter delicately mottled with very
fine transverse lines of the same colour. Shoulders hair-brown, several of
the feathers broadly edged with reddish brown, and all marked with a white
stripe in the course of the shafts. Primary quill coverts and primary and
secondary quill feathers chocolate brown, with yellowish white shafts ; the
outer vanes of the primaries, towards their bases, margined' with pale sienna
yellow or light reddish brown ; and those of the secondaries, throughout
their whole length, with white. Over each eye, a white stripe, which terminates
at the nape of the neck, and beneath the eye another, which ends before the ear
coverts These stripes, in front of the eye, are separated from each other by a
dark brown blotch. The chin, throat, and cheeks, white ; the two latter deli-
cately spotted with pale reddish orange ; the breast and belly cream-yellow,
the former marked with large, fawn-shaped, dark reddish brown spots, and
FRANCOLINUS PILEATUS.
the latter is closely barred with delicate undulated brown lines ; the vent and
under tail coverts a pale ochry yellow, sparingly barred with zigzag brown
lines. The two central tail feathers light reddish brown, closely mottled with
delicate waved brown bars ; the remaining feathers dark umber-brown, except
the outer vanes towards the quills, which are reddish brown freckled with
indistinct lines of a darker shade. Bill dark horn-coloured ; eyes reddish
brown • tai’si and toes pale Dutch orange ; claws and spurs a pale horn colour.
Form. — Typical ; bill broad at the base, narrow and curved towards the
point ; wings rounded, and when folded reach a little beyond the base of the
tail ; the fourth and fifth quill feathers equal, and the longest, the third and
sixth but little shorter, the second and first successively shorter ; tail slightly
rounded. Tarsi and toes strong ; the former with a vertical row of large plates
behind, which extends from the knee joint to the strong cylindrical spur with
which each tarsus is armed ; the spur is situated rather nearer to the hinder
toe than to the knee joint, tapers from the base, and is slightly curved, the
convexity directed downwards ; the inner toe slightly longer than the outer.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
Length from the point of the bill to the
tipofthctail 13 6
of the hill from the angle of the
mouth 1 0
of the wings when folded 6 6
of the tail 4 0
Inches. Lines.
Length of the tarsus 1 7
of the middle toe 1 3
of the inner toe 1 0
of the hinder toe 0 3^
The female has no spurs to the tarsi ; in other respects she exhibits a close
resemblance to the male.
On the immediate banks of the Marikwa river, which flows in a north-easterly direction
from Kurichane, we discovered the first specimens of this handsome Francolin. It showed but
little disposition to resort to the jungle, though when disturbed in the more open localities, which
it by choice frequents while feeding, it, like the last species, seeks concealment in the bosom of
the thickets. Early in the morning specimens were observed, in moderate abundance, upon
the open grassy plots which occurred, intersecting the wooded regions that skirted both sides
of the stream, and there they appeared to find their food in plenty, which was found to
consist of small bulbous roots, seeds, insects, See. To the same localities these buds were
also observed to resort towards evening ; but at that period they were less leadily discovered,
owing to their being commonly more silent at that time. During the middle of the day they
were rarely observed, and from what was ascertained there were grounds foi believing they
repose while the sun is warm, and that while enjoying rest, they aie geneially peiched upon
dwarf trees or shrubs, no doubt to be the more secure from the teeth of the numerous preda-
tory quadrupeds which are constantly traversing the woods in quest of prey.
PRANCOIANUS STJBTOROUATU S .
(Aves_Pla.tel5)
FRANCO LINUS SUBTORQUATUS.— Smith.
Aves. — Plate XV. (Male.)
F. capite supra sordid^ badio, griseo-umbrato et macuKs brunneis variegato ; cervicis parte superiore
, lateribusque oehreis ; dorso, caudaque sordide subrufis brunneo-fasciatis ; plumarum racliidibus
albis ; oculo inter teeuias duas nigras, superiore post aurem desinente inferiorc ad guttur porrecta, et
cum inferiore lateris adversi lunulam formanto ; gula, guttureque subflavis ; pectore, abdomineque
subalbis brunneo-fasciatis ; rostro sordide brunneo ; pedibus flavis ; oculis rubro-brunneis.
Longitudo 10 unc.
Perdix Coqui, Rep. of Exped. page 55, June, 1836.
Colour. — The upper aspect of the head rufous brown, faintly clouded with
lavender purple, and obscurely spotted with dusky brown ; the eyebrows, the
bases of the ear coverts, and the back and sides of the neck, towards the
head, pale ochry red ; the tips of the ear coverts bright rufous, and the
feathers immediately surrounding the angles of the mouth rusty white. The
side of the head is crossed by two fine black lines, the one above, the other
below the eye ; the former terminates on the side of the neck, about three
quarters of an inch behind the ear coverts ; the latter, which has its origin at
ihe angle of the mouth, descends towards the throat, and, with the corre-
sponding one ot the opposite side, forms a narrow lunated collar across the
tlnoat. The lower part of the neck, in front of the interscapulars, clear
rufous, with some of the hindermost feathers tipt faintly with white, in
addition to being marked with a brown bar upon each vane ; the ground
colour of the back, the shoulders, the secondary quill coverts, the tertiary
quill leathers and the tail, intermediate between rufous and clear rufous
brown, with each of the feathers of the back marked by a rusty white stripe
in the course of the shalt, and by several broad, incomplete dark brown bars
on each vane; the centre of some of the bars much lighter than the circum-
ference. The shoulder feathers and the secondary wing coverts are variegated
somewhat in the same manner, only much more delicately, the centre stripes
being very slender, and the transverse bars narrow and less distinctly
defined ; — several of the coverts are, besides, tipt with a yellowish white
colour. The tertiary quill feathers are marked, either with uniform black-
brown bars, or with a series of brown blotches upon each vane, the circum-
ferences of which are much darker than the centres ; the tail is also barred
nearly after the same fashion. The primary wing coverts and the primary
and secondary quill feathers are pale umber brown, the outer vanes of the
FRAN COLINUS SUBTORQUATUS.
latter barred with rufous ; the inner surface of the shoulders and wings rusty
ash-grey. The under part of the neck, the breast, and the belly, rusty white
and freely variegated with slightly curved, umber- brown bars. (In specimens of
a certain age the sides, or even the whole of the breast, is rufous, with the bars
narrower and less distinct) the thighs, the under tail coverts, and the vent
pale rufous, the latter only finely barred with brown. The upper mandible
towards the angle of the mouth, and the whole of the lower towards its base,
greenish yellow ; the remainder of both mandibles and the claws blackish
brown ; the tarsi, the toes, and the spurs dull yellow. Eyes reddish brown.
Form. — Figure slender; the head small and the neck rather long for the
size of the bird ; bill moderately strong, slightly curved, broad at the base
and rather narrow at the point ; feathers of front narrow and rigid ; the
wings, when folded, extend nearly over the first half of the tail , the first
quill feather is very small, the fifth and sixth are nearly of equal length and
longest, the fourth and seventh equal and rather shorter than the last two ; the
third and eighth of the same length, but not quite equal to the fourth, and
only a very little longer than the second : some of the tertiaries equal in
length to the longest primaries. Tail full and slightly rounded ; tarsi mode-
rately robust and coated behind with two rows of large flat scales ; the toes
are short, the hinder one very slender ; each tarsus ai med with a single spur,
which is very short, blunt at the extremity, laterally compressed, and
situated about two lines above the hinder toe.
DIMENSIONS.
laches. Lines.
Length from the tip of the bill to the
extremity of the tail 10 0
of the bill from the angle of
the mouth 0 10
of the wings when folded 5 3
of the tail 2 6
Inches. Lines
Length of the tarsus 1 6
of the middle toe 0 9
of the outer toe 0 6^
of the inner toe 0 4^
The female is without spurs to the tarsi ; in other respects she exhibits a
close resemblance to the male.
The few specimens of this species which we obtained were killed near to the tropic ol
Capricorn, and were found upon the bases and slopes of low stony hills, which were thickly
covered with fine brushwood. Among the brushwood, and between the large stones with
which the surface of the hills was strewed, these partridges principally sought their food ;
and though they occasionally resorted to the plains, they generally manifested a disposition
to retreat to the hills, whenever they were molested on the latter. Having once reached
the localities, which it appeared they considered the best constituted to ensure them safety,
they could not, without much exertion, be driven from them ; and from their holding their
ground with such pertinacity and manifesting such a determination to avoid flight, we lost
several individuals which otherwise would probably have been secured.
JIEMIPODITIS LBPURAEA A.Male.B.Pemale .
( Ax&S _ Plate 16^
HEMIPODIUS LEPURANA.— Smith.
Aves. — Plate XVI. (Male and Female.)
Mas. supra pallide rufus, lineis nigro-brunneis undatis variegatus ; interscapularibus albo-marginatis ;
gula alba; pectoris abdominisque lateribus lactifloreis,* plurnis versus apicem macula brunnea
sagittata ; pcctore in medio nitide rufo ; abdomine albo. Oculis pallide rubro-flavis; rostro pedibusque
pallide lilacinis flavo-umbratis.
Longitudo 5 unc.
Fem. — cervicis parte posteriore pallide cinnamomea albo-striata ; interscapularibus dorsoque nigro-brun-
neo, rufoque fasciatis et albo-striatis ; pectoris lateribus maculis ovatis brunneis longitudinalibus.
. Obtygis Lepurana, Rep. of Exped. App. page 55, June 1830.
Colour. — {Male.') Above, the ground-colour is intermediate between pale
rufous and light chesnut ; on the upper surface of the head the feathers are
indistinctly barred with brown ; on the neck, back, and shoulders, nearest to
the body they are crossed by numerous slender black-brown bars, or irregular
crescents, and some of the shoulder coverts are besides delicately margined
with white. The eyebrows, sides of the head, and a stripe between the base
of the bill and nape of the neck rusty white, the feathers of the two first finely
tipped with brown. The inner vanes of the secondary quill coverts pale
rufous ; the outer vanes straw yellow inclined to white, and each of the latter
is crossed obliquely near its point by a well defined brown bar, the inner ex-
tremity of which terminates in an acute point. Primary quill coverts dark
brown ; the primary and secondary quill feathers greyish brown, the outer
vanes of the former finely edged with a pale buff colour, those of the latter
broadly edged with cream yellow, and partially barred with the same colour.
Tail pale rufous, and crossed by numerous delicate waved brown lines. Chin
and throat dull white ; the middle of the breast pale Dutch orange, with a few
minute brown dots ; sides of the breast and belly white, with a yellowish
tinge, each feather with an arrow-shaped brown spot near its point ; centre
of the belly, and the thighs, white ; vent, and under tail-coverts, very pale
buff-orange ; bill and legs pale lilac ; eyes pale reddish-yellow.
Form, &c. Typical; bill moderately long and slender; in form approach-
ing that of the smaller rails ( Porzana , Vieill.) ; tail rather elongated, gra-
duated and pointed ; wings when folded reach nearly to the commencement
of the last half of the tail ; the first, second, and third quill feathers longest,
and nearly of equal length ; the tertiaries slightly shorter than the longest
quill feathers ; tarsi rather slender, in front coated with two rows of scales,
* Kirby’s Introduction to Entomology, vol. iv. p. 287.
HEMIPODIUS LEPURANA,
and behind with one row ; toes short ; claws slender, and slightly curved. The
thighs closely covered with feathers to the knee-joints.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
Length from the point of the bill to
the tip of the tail 5 0
of the bill to the gape 0 9
of the wings when folded 3 0
of the tail 1 9
Inches. Lines.
Length of the tarsus 0 10
middle toe 0 3
outer toe 0 4
inner toe 0 2f
Female. — The crown of the head sparingly speckled with white dots, other-
wise as in the male ; the back of the neck is pale cinnamon-brown, the feathers
edged with white ; back a pale fawn colour, each feather crossed by several
black bars, and each bar with a more or less distinct angular projection at
the shaft of the feather, both before and behind, or simply behind ; secondary
wing coverts pale cream-yellow, each, with an oblong deep brown spoton its
outer vane, and a large irregular chesnut blotch on the inner one, continuous
with the brown spot. Primary and secondary quill feathers brown , the two outer-
most primaries broadly margined with cream-yellow, the rest of the primaries
and the secondaries delicately edged with pale rufous ; the tertiaries pale
chesnut, barred with black, and here and there variegated besides with small
and irregularly shaped white spots or stripes ; the middle of the breast as in
the male, but the sides, instead of being marked with angular spots, have
them of an ovate form, and placed longitudinally upon the feathers.
Only a very few specimens of this Quail were obtained, and these not until after the expe-
dition had reached the country north of Latakoo. The grassy valleys south-east of Kurichane
were the only localities in which they were discovered, and even in those they appeared to be
very thinly scattered, for seldom was more than a single individual found in, or even near the
same place. When they were disturbed, they seldom flew far before alighting, though
after effecting that, it would appear they continued retreating, as none of those we succeeded
in getting a second time on the wing, were ever found near the situations where they were
observed to alight. The food of this species consists of seeds and small insects, and along
with these they likewise swallow a considerable quantity of fine gravel.
In the Museum of the Army Medical Department, at Fort Pitt, Chatham, there are the
male and female of an Indian species of Hemipodius, very closely resembling those we have
here described. They differ, however, in so many minor points, that we feel disposed to re-
gard them as belonging to a distinct species : — besides being rather smaller, the back of
each is marked after a different fashion, and the spots on the sides of the breast, in the female,
are ovate, and placed transversely, while in ours they are disposed along the middle of the
feathers. In the catalogue of the Fort Pitt collection, we have named the Asiatic species
Hemipodius Syhesii, in honour of Colonel Sykes, who has added so much to our knowledge of
the Zoology of India.
I
Aves — Platel7 (Male)
VIDUA AXILLARIS.— Smith.
Ayes. — Plate XVII. (Male.)
Y. nigra : humerorum partibus anterioribus aurantiis; alarum tectricibus axillisque flavo-brunneis ; man-
dibulEi superiore nigra, inferiore albida ; pedibus rubro-bnmneis.
Loxgitudo G unc.
Colour, &c. -Velvet-black; the anterior portion of shoulder orpiment
orange ; wing coverts intermediate between yellowish brown and reddish
orange, which is also the colour of the inner surface of the shoulders.
Primary and secondary quill coverts black, their outer vanes delicately edged
with light yellowish brown; quill and tail feathers black, with a greenish
gloss ; the outer vanes of most of the secondary and tertiary quill feathers
tow aids their points narrowly edged with pale wood-brown, and several of
the teitiaries are also tipt with the same colour. Upper mandible black;
lower, bluish white ; legs, toes, and claws dark reddish brown.
Form, &c. — Bill strong, conical, and pointed, its sides slightly flattened ;
the under mandible larger than the upper. Wings when folded reach about
an inch and a half beyond the base of the tail ; the first quill feather
rudimentary, the fourth, the fifth, and the sixth equal in length, and the
longest, the second, third, and seventh rather shorter. Tail feathers unequal
as to length, being in our specimen in different stages of growth, and in
progress to form a long tail, which the males of this species evidently possess
during the summer season. Tarsi strong, the division between the plates, in
front, distinctly marked; toes strong, claw^s long, pointed, and slightly
curved, — the claw of the hinder toe largest, and its form strongly indicating
the office it is required to perform in assisting the bird in supporting itself on
reeds, rushes, &c., upon which it usually perches. The inner and outer toes
of equal length.
VIDUA AXILLARIS.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
Inches
Lines.
Length from the tip of the hill to the
Length of the tail
2
6
end of the tail*
6 0
of the tarsus
I
0
of the bill from the angle of the
of the hinder toe
0
5
mouth
0 7
of the middle toe
0
9
of the wings when folded
3 01
of the outer toe
0
6
Nothing is known of the
female,
— the probabilities are.
she is
of a
brownish colour, and without the gay coloured epaulets so conspicuous in the
male.
There is reason to believe this species of widow bird occurs but rarely in South Africa. The
individual which our figure represents, was obtained upon the south-east coast, between seven
and eight hundred miles to the eastward of Cape Town, and at the time it was shot, it was
perched upon rushes growing out of some marshy ground in Caffreland.
South Africa furnishes us with a number of birds yet referred to this Genus, but it appears to
me very doubtful if all of them will continue to be classed together. Those of the Cape admit
readily of being divided into two Sections, — indicated by the character of the plumage and habits
of the species. The species of the first section have the summer feathers, in the males, soft and
velvety, which is not the case in those of the other section ; the former resort to marshy grounds,
and feed and build their nests among reeds, or long rushes, — the latter principally frequent the
vicinity of human dwellings, or occur in dry localities, thinly covered with wood, and when driven
from grounds upon which they may be feeding, generally perch upon trees, or brushwood.
The species of the first section, besides, have the bill stronger in proportion, and more elongated,
than the species of the second.
1st Section,
Vidua longicauda, Cuv.
Vidua lenocinia, Lesson.
Vidua axillaris, Smith.
2nd Section.
Vidua regia, Cuv.
Vidua serena, Cuv.
Vidua superciliosa, Cuv.
* The tail in the state in which it existed in the specimen figured.
A S T U R MELANOLEUC US.— Smith.
Aves. — Plate XVIII. (Female and Young Male.)
A. capite, collo, lmmeris, pectore, abdomineque nigro-brunneis ; dorso brunneo; remigibus primariis,
secundariis quo brunneis, pogoniis intemis albo-fasciatis ; cauda supra brunnea, grisea-tincta et fasciis
quinque nigro-brnnneis notata ; rostro brunneo, flavo maculato ; pedibus viridi-flavis ; unguibus
brunneis.
Longitudo 21 une.
Accipiter melanoleucits, Smith, South African Quarterly Journal, Vol. I., page 229, June, 1 830.
Colour. — Head, neck, and shoulders blackish brown ; back and quill fea-
thers dull umber-brown, the inner vanes of the latter crossed with many broad
white bars ; breast, belly, and thighs liver brown ; upper surface of tail brown,
with a gray tinge ; lower surface white ; and both marked by five transverse
broad dark brown bands, the one near the points of the feathers widest;
eyes yellow ; bill rich brown ; festoon of upper and base of lower mandible
yellow ; cere yellow, with a greenish tinge ; legs and toes greenish yellow ;
claws brown.
Form, &c. Typical : figure robust ; bill short and stout ; culmen curved
fiom the base; festoon well developed; legs very strong; outer and inner
toes of moderate length; middle toe very long; tarsi shielded before and
behind, and on the sides coated with small oval scales ; claws very long, mode-
lately curved and pointed ; hinder and outer toes of the same length ; wings,
when folded, reach over the first two-thirds of the tail ; the fourth and fifth
quill feathers equal and longest ; the first about two-thirds the length of the
fourth ; the third slightly, shorter than the fourth ; the second about an
inch shorter than the third ; tail long, its tip slightly rounded.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
Length from the tip of the hill to the
end of the tail 21 0
of the bill from the angle of the
mouth 1 C
of the wings when folded 12 9
of the tail 9 6
Inches. Lines.
Length of the tarsus 3 0
of the middle toe* 1 \
of the inner toe 1 ] j
of the hinder toe 1 0
* When it is not added that the claw is included, it is always to be understood that the measurement
applies to the toe without the claw.
ASTUR MELANOLEUCUS.
Young. — The top and sides of the head, and the back and sides of the
neck dull umber-brown ; the base and edges of each feather light yellowish
brown ; the umber-brown on the sides of the head and neck in particular
appears almost disposed in longitudinal streaks. The back, shoulders, quill
coverts, tertiary quill feathers brown, each feather tipt with yellowish brown ;
under parts white, shaded delicately with yellowish brown, and each feather
streaked with umber brown in the course of the shaft; the streaks narrow,
and broadest towards the points of the feathers ; primary and secondary quill
feathers brown, freely barred with white ; the secondaries and several of the
innermost primariestipt with yellowish brown. Tail, above brown, below
livid white, and on both aspects crossed by five broad dark brown bands ;
the two or three outermost feathers of each side have the spaces between the
dark bars more or less clouded with tawny white ; the tips of all the tail
feathers are of the same colour. Bill blackish brown, with slight indications
of yellow upon the festoon and the base of the lower mandible.
In specimens more advanced in age than the one represented in the plate, the upper parts
are of a dull umber-brown, and the lower parts irregularly mottled, black and white.
The form and strength of the legs and bill of this species clearly entitles it to be ranked as an
Astur, if we are warranted in forming such a genus. It is a bird rarely found in South Africa,
and with its habits I am quite unacquainted. It occurs most commonly in districts covered
with high wood ; yet specimens have been killed not far from Cape Town, where nothing beyond
a few dwarf trees existed.
OTIS
AFROIDES. A Male. B. Female
(Are s Platel9)
OTIS AFROIDES.— Smith.
Aves. — Plate XIX. (Male and Female.)
O. capite nisi vertioe et auribus, collo, corpore subtils, femoribns, fasciis duabus apud rectricos laterales,
primariis partim et secundariis nigris ; auribus, collari curto humerali, fascia alarum longitudinali,
remigum (primo exccpto) pogoniis majoribus mcdiis, tseniola tibiali apicibusque rectricum latera-
lium albis ; vertice brunneo fusco-striato ; cristula albo nigroque varia ; interscapulio, tectricibus
alarum superioribus, soapularibus et tertiariis brunneo-nigricante fuscoque undatim fasciatis ; dorso,
tectricibus rectricibusque caudse nigris, albo nitide linearis : rostro fiavo, apice brunneo ; pedibus
fuscis.
Fcemina. capite, collo, corpore supra et pectore superiori fusco-ferrugineis brunneo-nigricante prave et
dense striatis ; mento, regione postparotica et pectore inio albidis ; cauda dorsali fusco brunneoque
variata ; fascia alarum alba notaque alba super remiges minus quam in marl conspicuis.
Otis Afroides, Smith, Proceedings of the Zoological Society, Part I. p. 11, 1830.
Colour. — Forehead, supercilia, cheeks, chin, neck, breast, abdomen,
thighs, flanks and under tail coverts velvet-black ; crown of the head blackish
brown, irregularly crossed and broken by cream-yellow lines, and fringed on
either side with a white streak, which, passing backwards, blends itself with
the black plumage of the occipital sub-crest ; ear coverts and an irregular
semicollar at the base of the neck posteriorly white ; greater part of the
dorsal aspect, including the scapular and interscapular plumage, tertiaries
and superior wing coverts transversely undulated with bands alternately
brownish black and ochre-yellow, the latter with a golden tinge in strong
lights ; these bands become broader towards the lower parts of the dorsal
surface. Lower wing coverts, white, forming a broad band along the margin of
the wing ; first quill and greater part of the other primaries dull brownish
black, but the basal and middle portions of the inner webs of the latter more
or less patched, stained, or powdered with white ; outer web of two or three
of the inner secondaries either patched or striped with white. Back brownish
black, finely barred with cream-yellow lines; superior tail coverts black,
transversed with irregular while bands; four middle tail feathers brown,
densely crossed by broken zig-zag cream-yellow lines, as well as by two
black bands and the rudiment of a third near the tip; on the lateral tail
feathers the markings nearly similar, but gradually changing into lighter
brown and blueish white, the first band also disappearing, and the second
and third becoming more developed, and of a more brilliant black ; the tips
of all the feathers white ; colours of the inferior surface of the tail darker,
black bands and intermediate markings more obscure; femoral plumage
terminated by a white garter; axillary region black ; inner surface of shoulder
OTIS AFROIDES.
white. Bill inclining to yellow, upper mandible largely, and lower scantily
tipt with blackish ; legs yellowish ; claws blackish.
Form. — Figure and general appearance of Otis Afer : head broad and flat
above; neck very slender ; wings when folded reach as far as the commence-
ment of the last third of the tail ; the second and third primary quill feathers
of equal length, and the longest, fourth and fifth of equal length, and rather
shorter than the second and third, first and sixth of nearly the same length,
and about three quarters of an inch shorter than the second ; some of the
tertiaries and the longest primaries of equal length. Tail slightly rounded;
thighs denuded of feathers for an inch and a half above the knee joint ;
carpal spur rudimentary and obtuse.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
Length from the tip of the hill to the
point of the tail 19 6
of the bill from the angle of
the mouth 1 10
of the wings when folded ... 11 0
Inches. Lines.
Length of the tail 4 7
of the tarsus 8 4
of the outer toe 0 10
of the middle toe 1 4
of the inner toe 0 8^
Female. — Ground colour of the dorsal plumage ochre-yellow, inclining to
ferruginous, and variegated on the head by longitudinal, and on the sub-crest
and neck by transverse blackish lines ; back and wings profusely covered
with brownish black markings, varying in form and direction* ; upper tail
coverts irregularly banded with brownish black and ochre-yellow ; colours
of tail feathers less bright than in the male, the broad bands being of a dull
black, and the terminal white obsolete ; white band on the wings and patch
on the inner webs of the primaries inconspicuous. Chin cream-yellow
speckled with blackish ; patch behind the ears the same ; ear coverts light
ochre-yellow faintly streaked with brown ; upper part of breast pale ochre-
yellow waved with blackish brown lines, lower part cream-yellow ; abdomen
rusty black ; feathers of thighs fringed with white at the tips : upper man-
dible dark brown, with sagittal horn-coloured band near the apex ; lower
mandible and legs ratber paler than in the male.
When this species and Otis Afer are viewed together, many marked differences are imme-
diately discoverable ; but when an actual comparison cannot be instituted, a reference to the
wings will under any circumstances enable the naturalist to refer his specimen to its proper
species. In Otis Afer the quill feathers are entirely black, in Otis Afroides, mote than half of
each of the primaries is white. The species here figured inhabits the arid plains of the interior,
and is never found much to the southward of the Orange River. Its call differs considerably
from that of Otis Afer ; but in most of their habits, See. they closely resemble each other.
The food of both is similar, and consists of insects, small snakes, seeds, &c.
* The colours of the female differ greatly according to age.
GAL LIN [TLA D1MID1ATA. AAcbaLt..BTouag..
(Ares _Pkte 20}
GALLINULA DIMIDIATA. — Temm.
Aves. Plate XX. (Adult Male and Young Female.)
Mas.— G. capite colloque castaneis ; dorso, alis, (remigibus primariis secundariisque exceptis,) abdomine,
caudaque nigro-brunneis, striis maculisque albis variegatis ; remigibus brunneo-rubris. Rostro pedi-
busque pallidd rubro-brunneis.
Longitudo 65 unc.
Gallinula DIMIDIATA, Temm., Less. Manuel d’Ornith. tom. 1, page 537, 1831.
Crex ruficollis, Gray, Zoological Miscellany, page 13, 1831.
Colour. — Head, neck, and breast bright chestnut — the throat and breast
lightest ; back, shoulders, wing coverts, quill coverts, tertiary quill feathers,
belly, upper and under tail coverts, and tail blackish brown, freely va-
riegated with delicate longitudinal white streaks, and small white dots, the
latter almost restricted to the quill coverts, the upper and under tail coverts,
the vent, and the tail. Wherever the variegations consist of longitudinal
white streaks, there are two on each feather, one on the outer, the other
on the inner vane; behind the stripes, however, there are generally foui white
dots, (vide fig. a.) When again the variegations consist of dots, there are from
two to three of those near the edge ot each vane, at some distance from each
other, and those of the one vane are situated opposite to the corresponding
ones of the other, (vide fig. b.') Primary and secondary quill feathers brownish
red ; bill and legs reddish brown ; the lower mandible faintly edged above
and below with yellowish brown.
Form. — Bill short and deep at the base, hence, when viewed laterally it has
distinctly a triangular shape ; head rounded ; neck rather short and full ; body
rather robust ; tail full and decomposed; thighs feathered almost to the knee-
joints ; tarsi rather strong, and the toes long for the size of the bird. Wings
when folded scarcely reach beyond the base of the tail, the fourth and fifth
quill feathers equal and longest, the second, third and sixth equal and
slightly shorter, the first rather shorter than the second ; the whole of the
feathers loose and rather of a wiry appearance ; tarsi in front coated with
one row of plates, behind with two rows, of which the commissure is
behind, bare space above knee-joints also coated with plates; outer and
middle’ toe with a rudimentary web at their base ; claws slender, slightly
curved and pointed.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
Length from the tip of the bill to the
point of the tail ® ®
of the bill from angle of mouth 0 7|
of the wings when folded 3
of the tail ^ ®
Inches. Lines.
Length of the tarsus 1 0
the middle toe 1 0^
the outer toe 0 10
the inner toe 0 9|
the hinder toe 0 3
GALLINULA DIMIDIATA.
Young Female. — The top of the head and the back of the neck umber-
brown, variegated with spots of yellowish brown, generally four of these
towards the tip of each feather, two upon the outer, and two upon the inner
vane; the back, the shoulders, the primary and secondary quill coverts, some
of the tertiary quill feathers, the upper and under tail coverts, and the tail
dark liver brown, variegated with slender yellowish brown bars or dots ; the
bars are generally two or three on each feather, more or less undulated, and
mostly interrupted at some part of their course, the variegations on the quill
coverts, tertiary quill feathers, and tail are generally very few in number,
sometimes they are entirely wanting. The chin tawny white, the sides of
the head and neck, the throat, the breast and the belly umber brown, rather
profusely marked with angular or curved bars of deep yellowish brown ; the
ground colour as well as the bars darkest on the sides of the breast and
belly ; towards the middle of these regions the tints are lightest, and the
bars are generally indistinct. Primary and secondary quill feathers brownish
red, and the outer vane of the first primary of each wing edged either with
a series of delicate tawny white steaks, or a continuous line of that colour.
The bill and legs dark reddish brown.
While examining this species, and the two others figured in this number, I had constantly
before me twenty other species, which are considered by many authors as belonging either
to Gallinula, or to Crex ( Porsana , Vieillot) ; but as I could not discover any characters by
which the limits of these two groupes could be satisfactorily fixed, I have deemed it better
to regard those birds as forming in reality only one groupe. I was, indeed, able to select
out of the whole number four, or rather five species, which differed materially from each
other, viz. Fulica chloropus, Lin. ; Jlallus Porsana, Gm. Lin. ; Rallus crex, Lin. ; Rallus
pusillus, Gm. Lin., and the species just described ; and I doubt not, had I been unacquainted
with any other species than those, I should have regarded the characters which they indi-
vidually presented, as sufficient to warrant my viewing them as all belonging to different
groupes ; when, however, I compared their characters with those exhibited by the species
from whence it had been necessary to separate them, in order to have definable peculiarities,
such a number of intermediate modifications were observed, as rendered it impossible to say
between what two species of the whole number the greatest hiatus existed, or where the lines
of demarcation could be fixed.
Gallinula dimidiata is by no means a common bird in South Africa, though it is occasion-
ally procured even in the neighbourhood of Cape Town. It frequents marshy situations, and
resides among the reeds and long rushes, with which such localities generally abound,
and where stagnant waters occur near its haunts, it is said to enter them, and to swim with
facility, and even occasionally to cross them in quest of its food, which consists of insects,
mollusca, &c. When walking or running it, like Gallinula chloropus, carries its tail eiect.
gakljnula jardinu
(Ares _ Plate ZL)
GALLINULA JARDINII.— Smith.
Aves. — Plate XXI. (Male.)
A. capite, colli partibus superioribus lateralibusque, rufis; mento albo ; dorso, humeris, gutture, pectorc,
abdomine, caudse tectricibus superioribus inferioribusque nigro-brunneis, striis albis variegatis ;
remigibus primariis secundariisque griseo-brunneis ; caudit versus basin subnigra, versus apicem
castanea ; mandibula superiore rubro-brunnea, inferiore nitide flava ; pedibus pallid^ rubro-viridibus.
Longitudo 5 k unc.
Cbex Jardinii, Smith. Proceedings of the South African Institution, November, 1828.
Colour. — The head and the back, and the sides of the neck dark rufous ;
the chin white ; the back, the shoulders, the secondary quill coverts, the ter-
tiary quill feathers, the throat, the breast, the belly, and the upper and under
tail coverts liver brown, varied with longitudinal white streaks, each feather
with two streaks towards the point, one on the outer and the other on the
inner vane ; primary quill coverts and primary and secondary quill feathers
grayish brown; tail, close to the base, dusky black, elsewhere bright chesnut,
the tips of some of the feathers writh a dusky or blackish tinge ; upper man-
dible reddish brown ; lower mandible greenish yellow ; legs and toes light
reddish brown.*
Form, &c. — Bill slender and pointed ; legs short ; toes moderately long ;
claws short, slender, and slightly curved ; figure slender ; wings short and
rounded, and, when folded, extend just beyond the base of the tail ; fourth
and fifth quill feathers equal and longest ; third, sixth, and seventh, scarcely
shorter; second about three lines shorter than the third ; and the first about
as many lines shorter than the second. Tail vertically compressed, bushy,
and the feathers decomposed.
The colouring assigned to the bill and legs is described from a preserved specimen.
GALLINULA JARDINII.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
Length from the tip of the bill to the
end of the tail 5 6
of the bill from the angle of the
mouth 0
of the wings when folded 2 9
of the tail 1 8
Inches. Lines.
Length of the tarsus 0 9
of the inner toe 0 7
of the outer toe 0 7|
of the middle toe 0 9^
of the hinder toe 0 S
Though I have never seen the female of this species, yet, from information
I have received, I am disposed to believe she resembles the male in point
of colours.
This elegant little rail is but rarely obtained by collectors in South Africa. The figure here
given is a representation of the only specimen I have ever procured, though I remember
having once seen another in the possession of a dealer in Cape Town. It resorts to marshy
grounds, or the vicinity of lakes, and is occasionally to be seen flitting about among the reeds,
by which the lakes are generally margined. It also at times extends its peregrinations upon
the aquatic plants which sometimes coat the surface of stagnant waters ; and while in such
a position it appears actively engaged in feeding upon the aquatic insects which occur upon
these plants.
Should Alecthelia of Lesson prove a good groupe, and should the South African bird which
Swainson has described under the name of Alecthelia lineata * belong to it, then the present
species must stand as Alecthelia Jardinii, and that represented in Plate 20, as Alecthelia
dimidiata. I believe Swainson’s bird to be the young of the latter.
* Lardnor’s Cyclopaedia, Menageries, page 338.
GAL LINU-LA LLBGANS
(Are s _ Plate 22.)
GALLINULA ELEGANS. — Smith.
Aves. — Plate XXII. (Male.)
G. capite, collo, pectoreque rufis ; dorso, humerorum tectricibus, corporis lateribus, caudee tectricibusque
inferioribiis nigro-brunneis, maculis ocbreis ovatis variegatis; abdomine nigro-brunneo maculis
albis notatis; cauda brunneo-nigro fasciolis rufis variis ; remigibus brunneo-rubris, ad margines
pogoniarnra maculis ochreis, plus minus notatis; rostro pedibusque rubro-brunneis.
Longitudo 6 unc.
Colour. — The head, the neck, and the middle of the breast bright rufous,
lightest on the throat ; interscapulars, back, lesser wing coverts, sides of
breast, flanks, vent, and under tail coverts liver brown, and variegated with a
profusion of rather large and somewhat oval, reddish ochre-coloured spots —
each interscapular feather generally with six or seven of these spots com-
monly disposed as represented on the Plate, letter a ; middle of belly
blackish brown, with spots similar in form and size to those on the back, &c.
only pure white, except such of them as lie directly upon the dark ground
colour, — these have a faint bluish tint. Primary and secondary quill coverts
and tertiary quill feathers liver brown, with oval or irregular reddish ochre spots,
and more or less broken and similarly coloured bars ; quill feathers brownish
led, the edge of each vane ornamented with a series of small irregular ochre-
yellow spots ; on the inner vanes of several of the feathers the spots are
almost invisible ;* inner surface of shoulders blackish brown with white
bars ;f inner surface of quill feathers pale brocoli-brown. Tail liver-brown,
each feather with four or five bright rufous bars, the shape and appearance of
which will be seen by reference to the Plate, letter b. Bill reddish brown,
the lower mandible with a yellowish white line along the under edge of each
ramus ; legs and toes also reddish brown.
p0RM . — Figure rather plump ; bill considerably shorter than the head, and
* As far as my experience goes, little importance is to be attached either to the presence or absence of
spots upon the quill feathers in birds of this genus. The law of nature, as it affects this group, seems to
be in favour of irregularity in that respect, since we frequently find in the same individual some of the
quill feathers spotted, and others without spots ; nay, specimens occasionally present themselves without
spots on any of the quills, while others, evidently of the same species, have a proportion of spots on each
of the feathers.
t In some specimens of this species which I have examined, small white spots existed in the place of
bars.
GALLINULA ELEGANS.
moderately slender ;* wings rounded, and when folded, reaching to the com-
mencement of the last third of the tail ; the third, fourth and fifth of equal
length, and the longest ; the sixth and seventh are slightly shorter, the
second is about half an inch shorter than the longest quills, and nearly equal
with the ninth, the first three quarters of an inch shorter than the second.
Tail slightly graduated, pointed, and composed of regularly formed feathers,
the webs not at all decomposed. Thighs covered with feathers almost to the
knee joints ; tarsi moderately robust, in front with a single row of large plates,
behind with two rows of rather irregularly formed scales; middle toe in-
ternally has a well-marked membranous edging.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
Length from the tip of the bill to the
end of the tail 6 0
of the bill, to the angle of the
mouth 0 &
of the wings when folded 3 6
of the tail l c
Inches. Lines*
Length of the tarsus j ()
the outer toe o 10
the middle toe 1 o
the inner toe o 9
the hinder toe 0 31
I had long been in possession of specimens of Gallinula dimidiata and Gallinula Jardinii,
before I obtained a specimen of the present species; and it was not until I procured it that
I was induced to sink the subgenus which I had characterised to receive the two first-named
species. The characters of the subgenus were derived principally from the form which the
tail exhibited in both species, and from the peculiarity of the texture of its feathers, though
other minor peculiarities were not overlooked. Upon procuring Gallinula elegans, however* I
found it possessed all the characters of my subgenus, with the exception of those derived
from the tail, and that it differed in no essential point from those for which the new division
had been established, except in having the tail feathers undecomposed and placed horizontally :
the three species are therefore here figured, as in my opinion all appertaining to the same
group.
Gallinula elegans is a rare bird in South Africa, and comparatively but few individuals have
yet been obtained. All the specimens I have seen were procured near the south-east coast, in
the direction of Port Natal, and were killed upon or near to the margin of stagnant waters,
which were densely fringed with reeds or strong rushes, among the one or other of which
they were discovered flitting to and fro in quest of food.
* The bill iu this species is not uniform as to length ; in some individuals I have seen it much shorter
than it is in the specimen here figured, much deeper at the base, and when viewed laterally, exhibiting
more of a triangular form. The naturalist, who is not a slave to theory, will soon find that if he depend
either upon the forms or measurements of individual organs for his specific characters, ho will, in time,
have to sink many of his species ; both, however, are useful as auxiliary characters.
VANELLUS LATERALIS
(Ayes. Pla.te23)
VANELLUS LATERALIS.— Smith.
Aves. — Plate XXIII. (Male.)
V cervice, dorso, uropygio, tertiariis et scapularibus fusco-brunneis viridi-metallico delicate intinctis ;
alarum tectricibus, peetore et abdomine columbinis ; tegminibus tibiarum griseo-brunneis ; fronte,
mento, pogoniis primariorum internis versil9 basin, secundariis prseter apices, cauda (fascia penul-
tima excepta), lateribus, tectricibus alarum internis, tibiis, caudee tectricibus, crissoque albis ; gula,
primariis nisi ad basin intemam, secundariis ad apices, et fascia lata cauda; penultima nigris ;
collo laterali-inferiore nigrescente, plumis albido late marginatis : caruncula ante oculos flava, lobulo
superiori rubente i rostro tibiisque viridi-flavis, illo apice nigro : calcari carpali et unguibus nigris.
Longitcdo 13 un. 6 lin.
Colour.— Front of the head white with a brown margin spreading over
the vertex ; back of neck, interscapulars, back, rump, scapularies and
tertiary quill feathers wood brown tinged and glossed with metallic green,
the feathers on the back of the neck iaintly streaked with biown. Primaiy
quill feathers (except the base of the inner webs) and the tips of the
secondaries pitch black ; remainder of these last and the base of inner webs
of primaries white. Tail feathers white on both aspects, except a very broad
penultimate band of glossy black ; the tips of the twro centre feathers wood
brown ; chin white ; throat black ; feathers of the under and lateral parts of
the neck blackish brown broadly margined with dirty white ; breast and
abdomen dove colour ; flanks and femoral coverts dark grey brown, obsoletely
fringed with grey ; upper half of inner surface of w ings, thighs, vent and
under tail coverts white ; inferior lobe of ante-ocular caruncle yellow, the
superior lobule orange-red. Bill and legs greenish, the former broadly tipt
with pitch black; carpal spur and claws blackish.
Form.— Body moderately robust; bill long and rather thick at the base ;
nasal fossa well marked and terminating at the commencement of the last
r ■ i f the Upper mandible ; nostrils linear, and situated about half way
between the base and the termination of the fossa ; sides of the head rn
7 . „f the eve ornamented with a membranous caruncle, which is either
entiiVor slightly bilobate ; the portion above a line drawn from the eye to the
entne or sli y forms a lobe, when a division exists, is broader
base of the b , . upper extremity is obtusely pointed ; the
than Ae r^“,^i^riB m;re than twice the length of the upper, considerably
rrerrr it l ri„t, k
flalheS are of equal length and the longest, the «rs,
VANELLUS LATERALIS.
and fourth are a little shorter. Tail slightly rounded ; legs very long and
slender, the lower half of the thigh bare ; tarsus covered in front by transverse
plates, behind by several rows of scales ; toes rather short, the middle and
outermost connected at the base by a rudimentary web, hinder toe extremely
short ; immediately below the bend of the wing a short curved and pointed
spur.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
Length from the point of the bill to
the tip of the tail 13 6
of the bill from the angle of
the mouth 1 6
of the wings when folded ... 9 0
of the tail 4 0
In the female the back of the neck i
in other respects the colors of both se
are not quite so bright.
Inches. Lines*
Length of the tarsus 3 6
the outer toe 0 1 Og
the middle toe 1 1
the hinder toe 0 2^
the carpal spur 0 5
scarcely if at all streaked with brown ;
es are alike, only those of the female
This is the third African species of the genus Vanellus, with which I am acquainted, that
has the head ornamented with membranous wattles, and the only one which has yet, I believe
been discovered south of the Equator; the other two, Vanellus albicapillus, Vieillot,* and
V. albiceps , Gould, + are both of Northern Africa. Our species cannot be confounded with the
latter, though it may possibly require a little attention to distinguish it from the former. By
reference to the flanks and femoral coverts, we are at once furnished with the diagnostic
characters; in Vieillot’s species, those are like the other parts of the belly, white; in the
South African species, they are of a very different hue, being a dark slate colour or even
bluish black. Should such differences, however, not be regarded as sufficient to establish them
as two species, numerous other peculiarities are to be readily detected on a careful examination
of the two birds.
Vanellus lateralis, as far as I know, has never been found to approach the southern ex-
tremity of Africa ; it would appear to be an inhabitant of the south-east coast, and not to
extend its range west of Port Natal. When about to cross the U’Tugale river, some fifty miles
eastward of Port Natal, I observed two specimens feeding near to the edge of the water, both
of which were procured after great exertions. They manifested extreme watchfulness, always
kept upon the bare sand, and cautiously avoided approaching spots where thickets or any kind
of cover existed from which they might be shot. During their movements to and fro, they
carried their bodies erect and never indulged in any of those jerking motions, which we
observed constantly practised by all the species of Pluvianus. They were discovered to have
been feeding upon water insects, small molluscce, &c.
* Vieillot, Gal. des Oisseaux, Plate 236.
f Proceedings of the Zoological Society for 1836, p. 4.5.
PYRRHULAUDA AUSTRALIS. — Smith.
Aves. — Plate XXIY. (Male and Female.)
Mas. — P. capite nigro-brunneo ; gula, gutture, corporisque partibus infcrioribus nigris ; interscapularibus,
dorsoque subferrugineis brunneo-strigatis; alarum tectricibus minoribus, tectricibusque primariis et
secundariis sordide fuscis, primariis exceptis, rufo-marginatis ; rectricibus duobus intermediis fuscis
rufo-marginatis, ceeteribus nigris. Rostroalbo; oculis brunneis ; pedibus subcarneis.
Fern. — Supra rufa fusco-strigata ; subtus rufo-alba, pectore fusco-maculatu.
Longitudo 5 unc.
Megalotis australis, Rep. of Exped. App. page 49, June, 1836.
Colour. Male. — Head and under parts black, the upper and lateral parts of
the former with a strong rusty tint ; interscapulars and back subferrugineous,
tinted with grey and variegated with brown streaks, one streak along the mid-
dle of each feather ; upper tail coverts dark umber-brown faintly tipt with pale
rufous. The lesser wing coverts, the primary and secondary quill coverts, and
the tertiary quill feathers umber-brown, and, with the exception of the primary
coverts, distinctly edged and tipt with rufous ; the primary and secondary
quill feathers dark umber-brown verging to black. Tail, with the exception
of the two middle feathers, black, these are umber-brown, edged and tipt
with rufous. Bill white, with a livid shade. Eyes dark-brown ; legs and
toes flesh-coloured.
Form, &c. — Figure and carriage, in some respects, like those of the Larks
( Alauclince), in others, like those of the Finches (Ft'ingilincs), the points of
resemblance, as far as number are concerned, being in favour of the latter.
Body rather robust ; head broad and flat above ; bill conical and pointed, the
culmen obtuse and slightly curving from the base, the sides of the upper
mandible convex particularly towards the base, the commissure straight, and
the cutting edges of the under mandible received within those of the upper;
nostrils basilar and concealed by a covering of rigid wiry feathers. Wings
rather long and rounded, when folded they reach over the first two-thirds of
the tail, the first quill rudimentary, the third and fourth the longest and
slightly exceeding the second and fifth, the sixth considerably shorter ;
several of the shorter primaries have their points emarginate ; the tertiaries
nearly as long as the primaries. Tail of moderate length and slightly forked.
Tarsus short, moderately robust, and shielded both before and behind ; toes
short and rather slender, the outermost and innermost of equal length, the
PYRRHULAUDA AUSTRALIS.
middle one longer than either by the last joint ; hinder toe shorter than the
shortest of the anterior ones, the claws nearly straight, that of the hinder toe
longer and stronger than any of the others.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
Length from the point of the bill to
the tip of the tail 5 0
of the bill 0 5
of the wings when folded 3 2
of the tail 2 2
Inches. Lines.
Length of the tarsus 0 7\
the outer toe 0 2f
the middle toe 0
the hinder toe... 0 2^
the hinder toe and claw... 0 Lj
Female. — Above dull rufous streaked with umber-brown, particularly on the
head and neck ; beneath rusty white, the breast mottled with umber-brown
stripes ; eye-brows white ; ear coverts brown ; the outer vanes of the two
lateral tail feathers, together with a portion of the inner vane of the outer-
most adjoining the shaft, and the tips of both cream-yellow. The young bird
exhibits nearly the same colours as the female, only most of the feathers of
the upper parts are margined with dull rusty white, and the brown stripes on
the breast are less defined.
In the year 1829, when I proposed to institute a new ornithological group under the title of
Pyrrhulauda, I was only acquainted with one bird (the present), which I regarded as possessing
typical characters. Since that period I have had opportunities of studying three other species,
— two of South Africa and one of India, — all of which go to confirm the propriety of the division
proposed. The figure of these birds and a few of their habits assimilate them to the Fringillincc ,
while the majority of their habits, together with several points in the structure of individual
parts, and the disposition of some of their colours, indicate their closer approximation to
Alaudincc. Temminck, by looking to their form, has classed them as Finches, while on the
other hand Lafresnaye,* by regarding the structure, &c. of individual parts, has maintained
their place to be with the Larks, in which view he is supported by Lichtenstein, who esteems
them as Larks, and closely allied to Callendulle, Mirafra and L’Alouette ba. clause of Levaillant.
If it be a law of nature that every principal group shall consist of a series of subordinate
ones, each of which shall have its representative in some other principal groups, then we may
view Pyrrhulauda as the group of Fringillincc, representing one of those of Alaudincc ; but
on the contrary, if such be not a law, then we must concur with the last-named authors in
placing Pyrrhulauda as a group of Alaudincc.
The present species is gregarious, and flocks of several hundred individuals are often seen
upon the plains bordering the Orange River. It rises into the air, and after soaring for a time,
descends again like the larks, and like them also it builds its nest upon the ground, under the
shelter of a tuft of grass or some dwarf shrub. For more of its habits, see remarks to the
other species.
* Magazin de Zoologie, par Guerin, 1833.
[
PYRRHULAUDA ■ TERTICALIS AMale . B. Female . C Young .
(Ayes -Plate 2^')
PYRRHULAUDA VERTICALIS.— Smith.
Aves. — Plate XXV. (Male, Female, and Young.)
Mas p. capite, corporisque partibus inferioribus brunneo-nigris ; vertioe, genis, fascia transversa pone
nucliam, macula ad latus pectoris, corporisque lateribus albis; dorso sordide fusco, plumis griseo-albis
marginatis ; alarum tectricibus minoribus, remigiumque tectricibus brunneis, albo-margiuatis ;
remigibus rubro-brunneis, apicibus sub-albis ; cauda, rectrice externa except^, brunnco-nigra,
hac prtecipue, sub-alba ; oculis brunneis ; pedibus cameis.
flem. — Supra brunnea plumis pallid^ rufo-bruimeo-marginatis ; gula guttureque subalbidis; pectore rufo-
albo, brunneo-maculato ; abdomine nigro ; corporis lateribus, crissoque sordide albis.
Longitudo unc.
Megalotis verticalis, Rep. of Exped. App. page 48, 1836.
Colour. Male.—' The crown of the head, the cheeks, a transverse bar on
the back of the neck, and an irregular blotch on each side of the breast,
together with the flanks, white ; the remainder of the head and under parts
rusty black. The interscapulars, back, rump, and upper tail coverts dirty
umber-brown, each feather irregularly edged with greyish white ; the lesser
wing coverts and the primary and secondary quill coverts umber-brown,
broadly edged with white ; the quill feathers broccoli-brown faintly tipt with
white, and the secondaries and tertiaries, besides, are margined externally
with the same colour ; inner aspect of shoulders umbei -brown. Tail, with
the exception of the outermost feather of each side, umber-brown, the foui
middle feathers darkest: the two feathers excepted are rusty white, with a
cloud of brown along the inner vane towards its inner margin, and each pre-
sents also a dash of the same tint upon the outer vane towards its quill.
Bill dusky white, with a livid shade ; eyes dark-brown ; legs and toes flesh-
coloured ; claws horn-coloured.
Form &c.— ' Typical. Head rather small. Bill considerably thicker than
that of P Australis, its sides more convex, and the culmen more obtuse and
inore arched ; commissure slightly waved. Wings rounded, and when
f lded reach to the last third of the tail, the first quill feather rudimentary,
+i° third and fourth of equal length and longest, the fifth rather shorter, the
second and sixth equal and considerably shorter than the fifth. Tail very
1‘ 1 tly forked Tarsus and toes moderately robust, the outermost and
PYRRHULAUDA VERTICALIS.
innermost toes rather longer than the hinder one, but shorter than the middle
one ; claws nearly straight, that of the hinder toe longest.
Inches. Lines.
Length from the point of the bill to
the tip of the tail 5 6
of the bill 0 5|
of the wings when folded 3 2
of the tail 2 3
Inches. Lines.
Length of the tarsus 0 7^
the middle toe 0 4^
the outer toe 0 3|
the hinder toe 0 3
the hinder claw 0 3
DIMENSIONS.
Female.— Above dusky brown, all the feathers more or less broadly mar-
gined with a colour somewhat intermediate between ochre-yellow and wood-
brown ; quill feathers intermediate between broccoli and wood-brown ; the
tertiaries and a few of the innermost secondaries margined externally and
tipt with pale sienna-yellow. The outermost tail feather of each side pale
cream-yellow, with a dash of brown near the inner edge of the inner vane ;
the second feather margined externally with pale cream-yellow, the two
middle feathers approaching to wood-brown, their edges and tips lightest,
the remaining feathers of a uniform umber-brown. Eye-brows rusty white ;
chin and throat dull white ; breast rusty Avhite with brown spots ; middle of
the belly brownish black ; sides of the belly and flanks dirty white, here
and there clouded with dusky tints.
The colours of the young bird are nearly similar to those of the female,
only the edgings of the feathers, particularly those of the head and shoulders,
are more defined and contrast stronger with the general colour than they do
in the female.
This species, like Pyrrhulauda australis, inhabits the extensive arid plains of the more
southern districts of South Africa, and like it, congregates in large flocks. When feeding, the
numerous members of these flocks are widely scattered ; but the moment one individual takes to
flight from alarm, all the others follow the example, and they move off in a body to another
locality. It is not their custom to fly far before they come to a halt, and the instant they reach
the ground they scatter in all directions, and run to and fro with great rapidity. When flying
they pursue a slightly undulating course, and on these occasions they frequently utter cries
similar to what they do when running upon the ground, and which consist of a shrill prolonged
chirp, nearly like to the sound which may be produced by shutting the teeth and drawing in
the breath while the lips are alternately pressed together and opened. Soaring appears to be
less practised by this species than the last ; yet, nevertheless, individuals arc occasionally to be
seen rising in the air and descending again almost perpendicularly. Like P. australis, it feeds
upon the seeds of grasses, 8cc.
I
PYRRHULAITOA LEUCOTIS AMaleJBEemale.C.Young
(Ares—Plate. 26)
PYRRHULAUDA LEUCOTIS.
Aves. — Plate XXVI. (Male, Female, and Young.)
Mas. — P. capite, cervice, humeris, abdomine, crissoque nigris ; genis, fascia transversa pone nuchain,
macula ad latus pectoris, laterum partibus posterioribus, uropygio, caudaeque tectricibus superioris
albis ; dorso, alaruinquc tectricibus minoribus, et secundariis castaneis ; rcmigibus brunneis ; cauda,
rectrice externa excepta, brunnea, quatuor rectricibus intermediis, apicibus marginibusque subrufis,
externa rufo-alba bruuneo-umbrata. Rostro albo, brunneo-umbrato ; oculis brunneis ; pedibus
carneis.
Fern. — Supra brunnea, plumis pallid^ rufo marginatis ; humeris pallide castaneis albo marginatis ; gula,
gutturo, pectorequc sordide albis, brunneo-punctatis ; abdomine nigro ; corporis lateribus, crissoque
sordide albis, fusco-umbratis.
Longitudo 5 unc.
Loxia leucotis, Salt, Abyss. App. page lix.
Fringilla otoleucus, Temm. PI. Col. 358, fig. 2 & 3.
Colour. Male. — Head, neck, shoulders, breast and abdomen black ; ear
coverts, a transverse bar on the back of the neck, a blotch on each side of the
breast, the hinder portion of the flanks, the rump and the upper tail coverts
white, the two latter tinged with wood-brown ; interscapulars, back, lesser
wing coverts and the secondary quill coverts intermediate between chesnut
and tile-red, several of the coverts tipt and edged with white. Primary quill
coverts and the quill feathers intermediate between broccoli and umber-brown,
the tertiaries and a few of the innermost secondaries tipt and edged with pale
rufous. Tail, with the exception of the outermost feather of each side,
umber-brown, the four middle feathers the lightest, and tipt and edged with
pale rufous, the outermost feather rusty white clouded with brown, parti-
cularly upon the inner vane. Bill white clouded with dusky ; eyes dark-
brown ; legs and toes a flesh-colour shaded with brown.
Form &c. Typical . Bill rather longer than that of P. Australis, more com-
pressed towards the point and narrower at the base than in that of P. Ver-
tiealis ■ culmen towards the base but lightly curved, towards the tip much
arched • head rather small ; wings when folded reach to the last third of the
tail ; quill feathers nearly as described in P. Australis. Tail but very slightly
forked Tarsus robust ; toes short and stout, the outermost and innermost
of equal length, and scarcely longer than the hinder one, the middle toe
PYRRIIULAUDA LEUCOTIS.
exceeds the others in length by its last joint ; the claws are but slightly
curved, the claw of the hinder toe longer than the toe itself.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches.
Lines.
Inches.
Lines
from the point of the bill to
Length of the tarsus
0
n
the tip of the tail
5
0
of the middle toe
0
H
of the bill
0
6
of the other toes
0
3i
of the wings when folded . . .
3
3
of the hinder claw
0
3
of the tail
2
0
Female. — Above dusky brown, the feathers edged with pale rufous or
rufous-white ; the lesser wing coverts brown towards their bases and rufous
towards their points, many of them partially margined with white ; the
primary and secondary quill coverts and the quill feathers brown, the two
first tipt and margined externally with white or pale rufous, the quills
excepting the two or three outermost are margined externally with rufous,
and narrowly tipt with white. Chin, throat, breast, flanks, and vent rusty-
white, the chin, throat and breast faintly mottled with small brown spots ; inner
surface of the shoulder dark umber-brown ; eye-brows dirty white spotted
with rufous ; and there are indications of a narrow white collar upon the back
and sides of the neck. Tail dark-brown, the feathers margined and tipt
with pale rufous, the outer vane of the outermost of each side pale rufous or
rusty white.
The young bird is coloured nearly as the female, only the tints are more
dusky and the light edgings to the feathers, particularly those of the head
and shoulders, are narrower, but more distinct and better defined.
Of the manners and habits of this species we know but little. Though its members show a
disposition for society, yet we never detected more than five or six individuals associated
together, which circumstance has always inclined us to believe that we had not reached the
head-quarters of the species. The few specimens we obtained were killed upon plains thinly
covered with dwarf shrubs, near to the Tropic of Capricorn. Their flight, when occasioned by
fear, was usually but short, and they were never seen to alight upon anything but the ground,
along which they ran with great rapidity, and then proceeded to collect their food, which
consisted of seeds, &c.
PLATYRHYNCHUS CAPENSIS.— Smith.
Aves. — Plate XXYII. (Male and Female.)
Mas. — PL capite supra nigro ; cervice dorsoque flavo-brunneis, fusco-strigatis ; subtus sordid^ albus, parce
fusco-strigatus ; capistro, spatiisque ante oculos pallidk flavis ; alarum tectricibus minoribus, remigium
tectricibus, remigibusque griseo-brunneis, quibusdam subflavo-marginatis, lineas obliquas duos
versus basin alarum formantibus; rectricibus griseo-brunneis pallid^ flavo-brunneo marginatis.
Mandibula superiore olivaceo-brunnea, inferiore subflava, ambobus argenteo-nitentibus ; pedibus,
unguibusque viride-flavis.
Fem. — Capite sordid^ griseo, fusco-strigato, aliter ut in mare.
Longitudo corporis cum capite 3 unc. 5 lin. ; caudse 2 unc. 5 lin.
Colour. — Space between eye and bill straw-yellow ; upper part of head
black, with a few of the feathers at the base of the bill narrowly edged with
white. The back and sides of the neck, the interscapulars, the scapulars, the
back, and the rump, intermediate between yellowish brown and oil-green,
each feather with an oblong, umber-brown stripe along its centre — the feathers
of the neck are dusky grey towards their bases, those of the back pure white.
Chin, throat, breast and belly dirty white and variegated with narrow, longi-
tudinal, greyish brown streaks ; the sides of the breast and the vent are
faintly tinted here and there with ochre-yellow. Lesser wing-coverts, primary
and secondary quill-coverts, quill feathers and tail dark greyish brown ; seve-
ral of the lesser coverts and the secondaiy quill-coverts are broadly tipt with
dull sienna-yellow, and in this way are formed two oblique stripes of that
colour towards the anterior portion of each wing ; — each of the first-named
feathers which is so tipt has also a longitudinal umber-brown stripe in the
course of the shaft ; — the secondary wing coverts, together with the tertiary
quill feathers and a few of the innermost of the secondary quill coverts are
margined externally with pale yellowish brown, and as well as the remaining
quill feathers internally with white, most distinctly towards their bases. Tail
feathers faintly edged with light olive-brown, the colour most palpable upon
the outer vanes. Upper mandible dark olive-brown, lower, pale straw yellow,
and both are glossed with a silvery lustre. Feet and claws greenish yellow.
Form.— Figure robust; feathers lax and silky. Head large and broad ;
bill much depressed, very wide at the base and nai row at the tip, the
PLATYRHYNCHUS CAPENSIS.
upper mandible strongly hooked, the lower emarginate and slightly bent
upwards ; the sides of the upper mandible are convex, and the culmen,
particularly towards the point of the bill, is distinct though blunt ; nostrils
and base of bill concealed by strong bristles and rigid wiry feathers, the
former at the angles of the mouth directed laterally. Wings rather short and
rounded, and when folded reach nearly to the commencement of the last
half of the tail. Third and fourth quill feathers longest and equal ; second,
fifth and sixth slightly shorter, the first about half an inch shorter than the
third. Tail slightly rounded at the point, the two middle feathers rather
shorter than those immediately on each side of them. Tarsi short and rather
slender, scutellated anteriorly, scaled posteriorly; toes long and slender,
the middle and innermost nearly of equal length and united as far as the third
joint, the outermost considerably shorter and free except at its base, the hinder
one nearly of the same length as the outermost ; claws large, pointed and
much curved.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches.
Lines.
Inches.
Lines
Length from the point of the bill to
Length of the tarsus
0
n
the tip of the tail
5
10
the outer toe
0
H
of the hill from the angle of the
the middle toe
0
6
mouth
0
n
the inner toe
0
of the wings when folded
2
n
the hinder toe
0
4
of the tail
2
ii
In the female the upper parts of the head are a dusky slate-grey, striped
with umber brown ; on the back the umber-brown stripes are narrower than
in the male ; on the under parts they are the reverse. In other respects, the
colours are nearly the same in both sexes.
I have not found this species beyond the forests which exist upon the south-east coast,
towards Delagoa Bay. It frequents chiefly the brushwood which occurs scattered among
the large trees, though occasionally it also resorts to the trees themselves in search of insects,
which constitute its food. While hunger presses, it moves incessantly to and fro, and its
progress from one spot to another is effected with great rapidity, yet so as to admit of its
readily detecting the objects of which it is in quest, as is evident from the frequency with
which it is to be seen seizing small Lepidoptertz and other insects, even when on the wing.
While at rest it is usually found perched in the depths of thickets, and commonly in damp se-
questered situations.
Having never had an opportunity of examining recent specimens, I merely surmise the
individuals in which the head is black to be males ; the reverse, however, may be the case.
V
' ~ ,
S A X 1 C O L A. I N FTJ 5 C A T A .
(A yes Plate 28.)
SAXICOLA TNFUSCATA. — Smith.
Aves. — Plate XXYIII. Male.
S. supra griseo-brunnea ; gula guttureque sordide albis ; pectore abdomineque flavo-griseis, plus minusve
brunnoo-tinctis ; alarum tectricibus, remigibus, rectricibusque fuscis, partim sordide albo-marginatis.
Rostro pedibusque nigro-bruuneis.
Longituijo corporis cum capite 4 unc. ; caudse 3i unc.
Colour.— The upper and lateral parts of the head, the back and sides of
the neck, the interscapulars and the back rusty broccoli-brown ; the chin and
the throat dirty white ; the breast, belly, and thighs, yellowish grey, more or
less deeply tinted with brown. Lesser wing coverts, primary and secondary
quill coverts, quill feathers and tail umber-brown, the coverts and the
secondary quill feathers edged and tipt with dirty white, the primary quill
feathers towards their bases and the lateral tail feathers, particularly the
outermost one of each side, margined externally with the same colour. Bill,
feet, and claws, liver-brown ; eyes dark brown.
Form, &c. — Figure robust. Bill strong, rather broad at base and the
cutting edges distinctly inflected, apex of upper mandible slightly hooked.
Wings rounded, and when folded, reach to the commencement of the last half
of the tail ; the first quill feather rudimentary, the third and fourth longest
and equal, the fifth is slightly shorter than the fourth, and the second and
sixth are of equal length, and about three lines shorter than the third. Tail
square at the point. Tarsi long, and rather robust, anteriorly scutellated,
posteriorly entire ; claws long, strong, and moderately curved.
6
10J
9
6
Length of the tarsus
of the outer toe...
of the middle toe.
of the inner toe...
of the hinder toe.
Inches. Lines.
1
0
0
0
0
5h
74
3
DIMENSIONS
Inches. Lines
Length from the point of the bill to
the tip of the tail
Length of the bill from the gape
of the wings when folded
of the tail
The colours of the finale differ little if at all from those of the male.
This is the largest and rarest of the South African Srmcoi- It appears to be principally, rf
not entirely restricted to
the districts between the Oliphant and Orange Rivers, and seldom
SAXICOLA INFUSCATA.
occurs far from the sea-coast. It selects sterile tracts which are thinly covered with brush-
wood for its habitats , and in these situations it is so extremely watchful that even weeks of
incessant toil will scarcely ensure the collector a specimen. When disturbed it perches
upon the highest twig within its reach, and from that incessantly surveys the country
around, and if the slightest danger is suspected, it either flies off to a distance or dives among
the shrubs, and conceals itself until the patience of the pursuer is exhausted. During many
months which I passed in the country in which this species occurs, I only saw twelve
individuals, and it was not till the nest of a pair was discovered, that two specimens were
obtained. Anxiety for the welfare of their young appeared to diminish the solicitude they
manifested under other circumstances for their own safety, and it was by taking advantage of
that discovery that we obtained the male and female we now possess. It seeks its food, which
consists of insects, upon the ground, and while on it, as well as when perched, it raises and
depresses its half extended wings after the manner of the other species of the genus.
In addition to the present bird, we have eleven other species inhabiting the South of Africa.
They are
Saxicola pileata, Vieill. Le Traquet Imitateur, Le Vaill, Ois. d’Afrique, pi. 181.
Saxicola familiaris. Le Traquet Famillier, Le Vaill. lb. pi. 183.
Saxicola sperata, Lin.
Saxicola rubicola. Le Traquet Patre, Le Vaill. Ib. pi. 180.
Saxicola formicivora, Vieill. Le Traquet Fourmillier, Le Vaill. Ib. pi. 186 and 7.
Saxicola leucoptera, Swainson.
Saxicola monticola, Vieill. Le Traquet Montagnard, Le Vaill. Ib. pi. 183.
Saxicola cinerea, Vieill. Le Traquet Tractrac, Le Vaill. lb. pi. 184.
Saxicola Le Vaillantii, Smith.
Saxicola nigra, Vieill. Le Traquet commandeur, Le Vaill. Ib. pi. 190.
Saxicola cursona, Vieill. Le Traquet d calotte et queue blanche, Le Vaill. Ib. pi. 190
Saxicola bifasciata, Temm. PI. col. 472, fig. 2.
Saxicola Baroica, Smith.
Eight of the above species have been well figured by Le Vaillant, and a representation of the
last named will be given in the course of these illustrations.
ALAUDA FERRUGINEA. — Smith.*
Aves. — Plate XXIX. (Male.)
A. supra ferruginca, infra sordide alba ; gula, gutture pectoreque nigro-brunneo strigatis ; supcrciliis sub-
ochrois; remigibus brunneis ; rectricibus nigro-brunneis, quatuor extends, cxterne rufo-marginatis,
duabus mediis ferrugineis ; rostro brunneo, mandibula versus basin sub-flava ; pedibus flavo-brunncis ;
oculis brunneis.
Longitudo corporis cum capite 4 unc. 3 lin. ; caudse 3 unc. 2 lin.
Colour. — The upper and lateral parts of the head, the back and sides of
neck, the back, rump, shoulders, scapulars, two or three innermost tertiarics,
and two centre tail-feathers, bright ferrugineous red ; the under parts dull-
white, the breast and belly faintly tinted with buff-orange, and the throat,
breast, and flanks, variegated with oblong dark-brown spots— one spot
towards the point of each feather. The white of the chin is faintly mottled
with some dusky tints, and the commencement of the throat is margined
on each side by a blackish line, which commences at the base of the lower
mandible, and terminates below the points of the ear-coverts. Eye-brows
dirty ochre-yellow. The lesser wing coverts, the primary and secondary
quill coverts, the primary and secondary quill feathers, and a stripe along
the middle of the two or three innermost of the tertiaries, light umber-brown ;
the lesser coverts are edged and tipt with ferrugineous passing into white,
and the quill coverts, together with the secondary quills and the primaries
towards their base, edged externally with rusty white. Tail, with the
exception of the two feathers already mentioned, dark umber-brown ; the
outermost feather of each side broadly edged externally with rufous white, and
the one next in succession narrowly with the same colour. Bill dark yellowish
* Such naturalists as find characters by which the thick-billed Larks may be separated from those in
which the bill is less developed, would probably place this species with the former. We confess our
inability to discover fixed characters by which the limits of the two groupes could be defined, and as we
have examined many species which we could not with certainty refer to either, provided the division
was to be adopted, we think it better to include both kinds under Alauda.
ALAUDA FERRUGINEA.
brown, passing towards the base of lower mandible into dusky yellow. Eyes
daik-biown ; feet and claws light yellowish-brown.
Form, &c.— -Typical. Bill strong, conical, and pointed, culmen slightly
curved, and the nostrils are concealed by wiry recumbent feathers. Wings
long, slightly rounded, and when folded reach to the commencement of the
second half of the tail; the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth quill-feathers, nearly
equal, and longest, the second rather shorter, and the first is not quite half
the length of the second ; tertiaries nearly as long as the primaries. Tail
square at the point, or but very slightly forked. Tarsi robust, and scutellated
both before and behind ; toes strong and short, the claws of the hinder rather
longer than those of the anterior toes, and but very slightly curved.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
Length from the point of the bill to
the tip of the tail 7 5
Length of the hill from the gape 0 10
of the wings when folded ... 4 1
of the tail 3 2
of the tarsus 1 2^
Inches. Lines.
Length of the outer toe 0 4
of the middle toe . . . . : 0
of the inner toe 0 3
of the hinder toe 0 3
of the hinder claw 0 31-
In the female the ground colours are not quite so bright as in the male,
and the brown streaks on the breast are less distinct.
The extensive arid plains immediately to the southward of the Orange River, commonly
called the Bushman Flats, form the favourite habitat of this Lark. It is a wild bird mani-
festing considerable suspicion at the appearance of man, and unless in the mornings’ rarely
permits him to approach so near as to enable him to shoot it. It soars very frequently, parti-
cularly m the early part of the day, and about sun-rise whistles delightfully ; being, while so
occupied, generally perched upon the summit of the highest bush which exists in the locality.
Besides this species, fifteen others inhabit the south of Africa. Le Vaillant has figured
seven of these, and two, more recently discovered, have lately been represented in Guerin’s “ Ma-
gazine de Zoologie.” Those yet unfigured we shall publish in the course of these illustrations.
gfyj. PiOCEUS SUBA.UREU6.__ PLOCEUS OCULARIUS
(Are s_ Plate 30)
PLOCEUS SUBAUREUS.— Smith
Aves. Plate XXX. (Fig. L, Male.)
P. fronte, vertice, capitis lateribus, guttureque vitellinis ; nucha, cervice, dorso, alarumque tectricibus
mmoribus vmdi-flavis ; caudse tectricibus, pectore, abdomineque luteis ; remigibus brunneo-rubris,
versus basin flavo-marginatis ; rectrieibus brunneo-flavis, flavo-marginatis. Rostro livido-brunneo ;
oculis, pedibus, unguibusque carneis.
Longitcdo corporis cum capite 4 unc. ; caud® 2 unc. 9 lin.
Ploceus SUBAuBEus.-Smith. Proceedings of South African Institution, April, 1832.
Colour. The front, crown, sides of the head, and the throat, bright saf-
tr/coverts T b“r ”1 Sides °f the neck' back and lesser
ing-coverts intermediate between sulphur and gamboge-yellow • upper tail
coverts breast, belly, and under tail coverts a cfear and
J l8 1 C U(Jme'>Tellow) 5 P«mary quill coverts intermediate between sulphur and
king s yellow, their tips between oil and honey-yellow ; secondary quill coverts
similar in colour to the tips of the primaries and all margined with king’s yellow
Quill feathers light brownish red, the outer vanes narrowly edged with kind’s
yellow, the inner vanes towards their base, broadly, with primrose-yellow, which
is also the colour of the inner surface of the shoulders. Tail intermediate
between sulphur and honey-yellow, the outer vanes narrowly edged with king’s
yellow, the inner vanes, broadly, with pale primrose-yellow. Bill liver-brown
the under mandible slightly mottled with reddish brown ; eyes red ; legs, toes
and claws a deep flesh colour, the latter clouded with brown.
Form, &c.— Typical. Bill very thick and rather short ; culmen strongly
arched. Wings when folded reach over nearly the basal half of the tail, fourth
and fifth quill feathers of the same length and longest, third and sixth slightly
shorter, second rather shorter than the third, first narrow and about one-third
PLOCEUS SUBAUREUS.
the length of the second. Tail rather long, and its apex slightly rounded,
legs and toes robust, the tarsi in front distinctly scutellated, behind entire ;
claws strong and slightly curved.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
Length from the point of the bill to
the tip of the tail 6 10
of the bill from the angle of
the mouth 0 8
of the wings when folded... 3 5
of the tail 2 9
Inches. Lines.
Length of the tarsus 0 10
of the outer toe 0
of the middle toe 0 8 j
of the inner toe 0 5
of the hinder toe 0 5^
The colours of the female are not quite so bright as those of the male.
The head-quarters of this species and of Ploceus ocularius must be looked for to the north-
ward of the Tropic of Capricorn ; at least the paucity of specimens to the southward of it would
warrant such an inference. During a residence of fourteen years in South Africa, I only
met with four specimens of the last named species and ten of the present, and even a part of
these were contained in the numerous collection, which during that period were submitted to
my inspection. The specimens of P. subaureus, which I myself procured, were all killed in
the neighbourhood of Algoa Bay, and those which were contained in the collections alluded to
were either got in the same locality or more to the eastward.
A closely allied bird is found on the western coast of North Africa, and will require to be
considered as of the same species if the opinion of Temminck* be founded upon facts. That
learned ornithologist, when speaking of the differences in size between what he calls L’Aigle
oceanique ( Falco leucogaster, Lath) and Le Blagre, Levaillant, observes that he has noticed
as great differences in that respect in other species. “ The birds of prey of Senegal and the
whole coast of Guinea,” he remarks, “ are one-third smaller than the same species which
inhabit the middle of Africa, while all the birds of the genera Lanius, Merops, Premerops, and
the greater number of the Gallinacece of the eastern coasts of Africa are larger and their
plumage of purer colours and more brilliant than the same species in the more sterile parts of
the middle of the continent.”
As our experience does not incline us to such opinions, we shall continue to regard the Sierra
Leone bird ( Ploceus aureoflavus, nobis) + as distinct, until more detailed evidence be
adduced to show that climate and food are productive of such modifications.
* Planches colores, Plate 49. Text.
f Ploceus aureo-flamis. Head, throat, and breast saffron-yellow ; belly, vent, and under tail coverts
light chrome-yellow ; back of neck, interscapulars, back, shoulders, tertiary quill feathers, and tail, inter-
mediate between sulphur and honey-yellow. Primary and secondary quill feathers yellowish brown,
and margined externally with pure yellow. Bill horn -coloured. Legs and claws flesh-coloured. Length
from point of bill to tip of tail 5-j inches; wings when folded, 3 in. 2 lin. ; tail, 2 in. Inhabits Western
Africa.
PLOCEUS OCULARIUS.— Smith.
Aves.— Plate XXX.— Fig. 2. (Male.)
I . fi onte, vertice, pectoreque auro-flavis ; dorso, uropygio, humerisque flavo-virentibus ; abdomine cau-
d toque tcctricibus inferioiibus subvitellinis ; gula, gutture, fasciaque per oculos nigris ; remigibus
griseo-brunneis exteme flavo-marginatis ; rectricibus flavo-brunneis, flavo-marginatis. Rostro nigro ;
oculis flavo-rubris ; pedibus livido-purpureis.
Loxgitudo corporis cum capite 3 unc. 11 lin.; caudw 3 unc. 1 lin.
1 loceus oculakics, Smith. — Proceedings of the South African Institution, Nov. 1828.
Colour. Front, crown, cheeks, sides of neck and breast golden yellow ;
nape, back, rump, upper tail coverts and lesser wing coverts greenish yellow
m erging towards oil-green ; belly and under tail coverts gamboge-yellow, the
lattei inclining to king’s-yellow. Chin, throat, and a transverse stripe on each
side ol the head enclosing the eye, deep black. Bill black ; eyes reddish
\ellow ; legs and toes livid purple ; claws horn-coloured.
1 orm, &c.— -Figure rather slender. Bill long, considerably curved, and not
so lobust as in the more typical species ; nostrils circular and near to the
capistrum. Wings rounded, and when folded extend but little beyond the
rase o the tail , the third and fourth quill feathers rather the longest, the
second and fifth slightly shorter, the first about one-third of the length of the
second. 1 ail rather long and slightly rounded. Tarsus strong ; the hinder
toe very iobust, and its claw strong and much curved ; anterior toes rather
slendei and the claws delicate ; the outer toe slightly longer than the inner
one.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
Length from the point of the bill to
the tip of the tail 7 0
of the bill to the angle of the
mouth 0 9 4
of the wings when folded ... 3 3
Inches. Lines.
Length of the tail 3 j
of the tarsus 1 j
of the middle toe 0 7T
of the outer toe 0 4
of the hinder toe 0 4
The principal difference between the male and female consists in the latter
having the chin and throat of the same colour as the upper surface of the
PLOCEUS OCULARIUS.
head, and not black, as in the male ; the colours generally are not so bright
as in the male.
When I first examined the figure of Ploceus brachypterus, Swainson,* I was disposed to
regard it as intended to represent the species here figured ; but upon obtaining a specimen of
the bird itself, from Western Africa, I found it to differ from ours in so many points, that I could
not view them as identical. The bill of the Senegal bird is shorter and much more robust than
that of the Cape one, and it is also less curved ; the colour of the back of the former is also
much greener, and the black of the throat and the sides of the head is more extended.
Specimens of Ploceus ocularius are found sparingly distributed over South Africa : more
especially in the vicinity of the south-east coast. There does not appear among the members
of this species any predisposition to congregate — at least, we have rarely found more than the
male and his female associated together, and these have generally been discovered in retired
situations, well supplied with trees. From a branch of some one of these they suspend their nest,
which is constructed of delicate fibres of bark closely interwoven, and so fashioned as to give
it when complete the form of a retort. The female generally lays three eggs, which are of a
bluish-white colour, spotted sparingly with dusky brown, — the spots of greatest size and most
numerous towards the large extremity. The male and female sit alternately upon the eggs,
and while so occupied, they are so pertinacious of their duty, that they may with the greatest
facility be taken alive in the nest.
* Naturalist’s Library, by Sir William Jardine ; Ornithology, Vol. vii., PI. 10.
PTE RO C L E S (TUT TUR ALI S female
PTEROCLES GUTTURALIS.— Smith.
Aves. — Plate XXXI. (Female.)
For the description of this bird see the letter-press accompanying Plate III.
The egg is represented of the natural size, and each female lays two or three
once or oftener during the warm season. These they deposit, without
any care, upon the bare ground, and it is only when level spots fitted to the
reception of eggs cannot readily be obtained that the birds of this genus
bestow any labour on the preparation of nestling places. Nothing is ever
interposed between the eggs and the soil, indeed whatever is calculated to
separate them is carefully avoided. Almost the instant the young birds escape
from the shell they take to a wandering life, and remove from place to place
with their parents in quest of food.
Though we find species of Pterocles beyond the confines of Africa, yet the majority of those
now known are peculiar to it. The regions south of the equator have furnished nearly as many
species as those to the north of it ; and both will doubtless afford many additional ones when
the yet unknown districts shall have been thoroughly explored. Each of the known species, as
tar as our observations go, has a limited range, and should the ranges of such as inhabit the
unexplored tracts of the interior not be greater, we may in time expect great additions to the
present list, i he following are the African species with which we are at present acquainted.
Pterocles arenarius, Temm. Barbary and Senegal.
Pterocles guttatus, Licht. Egypt.
Pterocles quadricinctus, Temm. Senegal.
Pterocles coronatus, Licht. Nubia.
Pterocles Lichtensteinii, Temm. Nubia.
Pterocles tricinctus, Swain. Senegal.
Pterocles exustus, Temm. Egypt and Senegal.
Pterocles tachypetes, Temm. South Africa.
Pterocles bicinctus, Temm. South Africa.
Pterocles simplex, Roux. South Africa.
Pterocles maculosus, Burchell, South Africa.
Pterocles gutturalis, Smith , South Afuca.
PARRA CAPENSIS. — Smith.
Aves. — Plate XXXIJ.
P. frontc suLflava ; superciliis albis ; capite supra, fascia ante alas, corporis lateribus, caudaque rubro-
aurantiis ; cervice nigra, purpurco-tincta ; dorso flavo-brunneo ; subtusalba; gutturis, pectorisque
lateribus viridi-flavis ,- remigibus purpureo-brunneis, apicibus aliquarum albis, reliquarum flavo-
brunneis ; rostro unguib usque flavo-brunneis ; pedibus viridi-flavis.
Longitudo corporis cum capite 5| unc. ; caudee 1 unc. 9 hn.
Colour. — Front sienna-yellow ; eyebrows white ; the crown of the head,
the nape, the sides of the head, behind the eyes, a narrow bar on each side of
base of neck, in front of the shoulders, together with the sides of the body,
and the tail, deep reddish orange, brightest on the head. The upper surface
of the neck, between the nape and the interscapulars, black glossed with
purple ; interscapulars, back, and upper tail coverts, intermediate between
broccoli and yellowish brown, the feathers tipt with wood-brown, and
clouded with metallic purple. Sides of neck and breast pale greenish-
yellow ; chin, throat, breast, belly, and under tail coverts, white ; shoulders
and lesser wing coverts yellowish grey ; primary quill coverts light liver-
brown ; secondary quill coverts pale broccoli-brown, tipt and edged externally
with white. Primary and secondary quill feathers liver-brown, a few of the
innermost secondaries white at the points, the remainder together with the
primaries narrowly tipt with yellowish brown ; tertiaries between brownish
red and yellowish brown, their tips and the edges of the outer vanes dull
white. Inner surface of shoulders and wings light liver-brown. Bill and
claws yellowish brown ; legs and toes livid greenish yellow.
Form, &c.— Aberrant. Bill straight, moderately long, slender, and towards
the point distinctly wedge-shaped. Wings, when folded, reach to near the
tip of the tail, the first and second quill feathers longest, the third, fourth, and
fifth nearly equal, and slightly shorter than the two outermost. On the edge
of each shoulder a small tubercle in place of a spine. Tail lax and conical.
PARRA CAPENSIS.
Legs strong and rather short ; tarsi scutellated anteriorly, the scutce most
distinct towards the toes ; lower half of tibiae naked ; claws long, straight and
pointed.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
Length from the point of the bill to
the tip of the tail 7 3
Length of the bill from the gape 0
of the wings when folded 3 9
of the tail 1 10
of the tarsus 1 5
Length of the outer toe
of the middle toe
of the inner toe .
of the hinder toe
of the hinder claw’
of the other claws, about
Inches. Lines.
1 4
1 4
1 3
0 6
0 9
0 6
We have only met with one individual of this species, and that we strongly suspect to be in
immature plumage : the whole of the interscapulars, back and upper tail coverts are probably
brilliant metallic purple in adult birds. It was killed, while seeking for its food, upon some
water-plants which coated the surface of a small river near to Algoa Bay.
Parra Africana is the only other species of the group which has yet been found in
Southern Africa : it never ranges so far to the westward as the Cape Colony, though it is often
found to the Westward of Port Natal.
ATHENE CAPENSIS.
(Ares _Pla±e3 3()
ATHENE CAPENSIS. — Smith.
Aves. — Plate XXXIII. — Female.
A. supra brunnea, postice lucens ; capite cerviceque supra lineolis, maculisque sagittiformibus albis notatis ;
dorso flavo-brunneo lineolato; scapularibus internis maculis albis notatis, lineam longitudinalem forman-
tibus ; pectore, flavo-brunneo, brunneo-rubro, alboque, fasciato ; abdomine albo, brunneo-maculato ;
remigibus rectricibusque brunneis, flavo-brunneo teeniolatis ; rostro viridi-flavo ; oculis aurantiis.
Longitudo 0| unc.
Noctua capensis, Smith. — South African Quarterly Journal, 2nd Series, 1834.
Colour.— The top of the head, and the back and the sides of the neck
intermediate between chesnut -brown and cochineal-red, each feathei vaiie-
gated with two imperfect white bars, the one nearest the point somewhat
arrow-shaped, and margined anteriorly and posteriorly with brown ol a darker
tint than that of the other parts of the feathers. Interscapulars, scapulars,
back, rump, upper tail coverts, and tail feathers umber-brown, with a faint
purple gloss ; several of the scapulars are marked with large white blotches
towards their points, and some of the outermost ones, which overlap the inner
edges of the wings, are white with brown points ; the remainder of the scapu-
lars and the feathers of the other parts enumerated are crossed each by two
light, yellowish-browm bars ; the one nearest the point, in most situations,
slightly arrow-shaped, or at least with more or less of an angle where it
crosses the shaft ; each of the tail feathers with fourteen narrow, and
slightly waved, yellowish-brown bars. Shoulders, lesser wing coverts, and
secondary quill coverts, the same colour as the back, and similarly barred, a
few of the lesser coverts situated towards the outer edges of the wings,
have each a large white blotch on the outer vane, which blotches form a sort
of broken white bar along the anterior part of the wing, and parallel
with that formed by the white scapulars. The large quill coverts, and the
quill feathers pale umber brown, the latter, except the outer vanes of the
two outermost primaries, crossed by many narrow, yellowish-brown bars,
the bars of the inner vanes fading into white towards the edges of the feathers.
The outer vanes of the two outermost primaries faintly margined towards the
ATHENE CAPENSIS.
quill with dusky white, and those of the remaining quill-feathers variegated
with a few narrow white stripes upon their outer edges ; inner surface of
shoulders pale cream-yellow, their outer edges white. Chin and under sur-
face of neck pale brownish-red, here and there indistinctly barred with pale
cream-yellow ; breast barred pale yellowish-brown, brownish red and white,
the bars of the latter colour most distinct towards the base of the neck, where
one occurs towards the point of each feather. Belly white with large brown
blotches, one blotch near the tip of each feather ; vent, and under tail coverts
pale cream-yellow, legs white, externally tinted with light yellowish brown,
and faintly barred with dull brown ; bristles of toes yellowish white. Cere
livid green ; bill greenish-yellow ; eyes orange-yellow ; claws towards base
yellowish-brown, towards points liver-brown.
Form. Typical. Bill small, the upper mandible much curved and strongly
hooked at the point ; cere covered with rigid wiry feathers and strong bristles.
Wings lounded, and when folded reach rather beyond the first third of the
tail, the fourth quill feather the longest, the third and fifth nearly equal, and
rather shorter, the second considerably shorter, and the first about an inch
and three quarters shorter than the longest. Tail slightly rounded at the
point. Tarsi feathered to the toes, the latter thinly covered with strong rigid
bristles; claws long, slender, and slightly curved.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
Length from the point of the bill to
the tip of the tail 9 (j
of the bill from the gape 0 1 1 1
of the tail 3 9
of the wings when folded ... 5 0
Inches. Lines.
Length of the tarsus 0 9
of the middle toe 0 9
of the outer toe 0 6^
of the inner toe 0 7|
of the hinder toe 0 3
The bird of which the foregoing is a description was shot in the depths of one of the forests
of the eastern district of the Cape Colony. It is the second specimen of the species we have
seen ; the first was also killed in a forest of the same district, in 1824, and differed in none of
its essential characteristics from the one here described.
.DICRURUS LUDWIG- II .
(Ares Plate 34^)
DICRURUS LUDWIGII . — Smith.
Aves. — Plate XXXIV . — Male.
D. niger, nitente cceruleo-viridi variegatus; abdomine, corporis lateribus, caudse tectricibus infenonbus,
femoribusque griseo-nigris. Eemigibus primariis, secundariisque nigro-brunneis, cxterne mtente-
cceruleo marginatis ; rectricibus viridi-nigris. Rostro pedibusque mbro-brunneis. Oculis brunneis.
Longitudo 7 unc. 2 lin.
Dicrurus Ludwigii, Smith. Proceedings of South African Institution, 1834.
Colour.— Black, with a gloss of blueish- green, the latter brightest on the
head, hack of the neck, interscapulars, shoulders, quill-coverts, tertiary quill-
feathers and breast, and on these it varies in intensity according to the light
in which the bird is examined ; belly, flanks, under tail coverts, and thighs,
greyish-black. Primary and secondary quill-feathers blackish-brown, the
outer vanes narrowly edged with steel-blue. Tail deep greenish-black, with a
faint metallic lustre, which is more distinct in some lights than in others.
Bill, legs, and claws, reddish-black. Eyes deep brown.
Form, &c. Typical. Figure moderately robust. Bill short and stout,
broad towards the base, compressed towards the point, the upper mandible
hooked, and the lateral tooth well developed. Wings rather long, and, when
folded reach to the commencement of the last third of the tail ; the third and
fourth quill feathers equal and longest, the second and fifth slightly shorter,
and the first about half the length of the longest ones. Ta,l s hghtly forked,
the points of the feathers, especially the lateral ones, slightly divancated.
Tarsi anteriorly faintly scutellated, posteriorly entire Toes slender the
hinder one strongest, the outer and middle ones united as far as the firs
joint- claws rather slender and moderately curved. Bristles at angle of
mouth strong and rigid.
DICRURUS LUDWIGII.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
Inches.
Lines.
Length from the point of the bill to
Length of the tarsus
0
7i
the tip of the tail
7 2
of the middle toe
0
Length of the bill from the oapc.
0 I0|
of the outer toe
0
4
of the tail
3 6
o
Q 1
of the wings when folded
4 0
of the hinder toe
0
°4
%
Nothing is known of the female.
A few specimens of this bird were
seen in 1832 in the forests adjoining Port Natal, but
only
one was procured. They were very shy, and the least ground of alarm caused them either to
fly from their usual haunts or to retire into the dense foliage whither we could not follow them.
The most retired situations appeared to form their favourite habitats, and in those they were
either seen perched upon some dead tree, or else performing rapid evolutions in the air in search
of food. They appeared from their perches to watch the approach of the insects upon which
they fed, and the instant they perceived them they were upon the wing, and actively engaged
in pursuing them. In the course of these movements they performed considerable circuits over
the adjoining thickets, but generally at last returned to the spots from whence they set out, and
there waited the appearances which courted further exertions. On one occasion two individuals
were observed in the same locality; in the others only one.
This, and Le Drongear , Le Vaillant, Ois d’Afrique, pi. 1 67, (Dicrurus musicus, Vieill.) are the
only species of the genus which I have been able to find in South Africa, though the author just
mentioned assigns two others to that country, viz. Le Drongo, pi. 166, ( Dicrurus cristatus, Vieill.)
and Le Drongo a moustaches, pi. 169, ( Dicrurus mystaceus, Vieill.) Considering the general
accuracy of Le Vaillant, one feels disinclined to question his correctness on the present occasion,
yet at the same time I must give it as my opinion that the last named, if they were killed in
the localities our traveller mentions, are now no longer to be found in them, or else that they
are only occasionally there as immigrants from some other country.
C0RYTBA1X PORPHYR.EOLOPHA
(Atos Plate 55)
CORYTHAIX PORPHYREOLOPH A. — Vigors.
Aves. — Plate XXXV . — Male.
C. fronte, strigaque per oculos splendide viridibus ; capite cristato ; remigibus secundariis, rectrici-busque
splendenti purpureis ; collo, abdomine medio, pectore, regioneque iuterscapulari gramineo-viridibus,
his subrufescentibus; dorso abdomine imo, femoribusque griseo-nigris, prime viridi-tincto ; remigibus
primariis, fascia lata subpurpurascenti-coccineis ; rostro pedibusque subatris.
Longitudo corporis cum capite 7 5 unc. ; caudte 8 unc.
Corythaix porphyreolopha.— Vigors. Proceedings of Zoological Society, page 93, June 1831.
Corythaix burchellii.— Smith. South African Quarterly Journal, No. 5, page 13, Oct. 1 831.
Colour.— Front and sides of head brilliant dark green (duck green,) top of
head, rudimentary crest, tertiary quill feathers, upper tail coverts and tail
splendid purple, changing in some lights to brilliant deep green, with a strong
metallic lustre. Neck, upper part of belly, shoulders, interscapulars and
breast intermediate between sap and oil green, the two last named parts
distinctly tinged with rusty orange ; back greyish black, strongly glossed with
green ; hinder part of belly, flanks and thighs rusty blackish grey, faintly-
shaded with green. Lesser wing coverts, and secondary quill coverts bright
lavender-purple, in certain lights changing to shining blue or purple;
primary quill coverts, brownish red ; bastard wings deep purplish green.
Primary and secondary quill-feathers, bright crimson red, broadly tipt with
light purplish brown and narrowly edged with dark metallic green ; the ter-
mination of the crimson is separated from the purplish brown by a light
vellowish brown line. The extent of the crimson is less upon the outer than
unon the inner vanes, and is entirely wanting upon the outer vane of the
first feather ■ the bases of several of the innermost secondaries deep purplish
brown ; the’ shafts of the quill-feathers clear reddish brown ; insides of
shoulders dusky blackish brown, edged externally with greenish grey. Bill,
,egFonMd te-Bm nd^Tm^ort, broad at the base and compressed
TZZ’SSS »t" l ...» - a. a.
ol the uppe Head with a flattened and rudimentary crest of
rigid'feathers) which projects but little beyond the nape. Wings large, rounded,
CORYTHAIX PORPHYREOLOPIIA.
and when folded reach to the commencement of the second third of the tail ;
the fifth quill feather rather the longest, the fourth, third, second and first
successively shorter, the second being about the same length as the secondary
quill leathers, the first nine lines shorter; the tertiaries as long as the
primaries. Tail long and rounded at the point. Tarsi short, anteriorly scut-
ellated, and posteriorly coated with minute granular scales ; outer toe
semiversatile; claws strong, pointed, and much curved.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
Length from the point of the bill to the
tip of the tail ] 5 6
Length of the bill from the gape 0 11
of the wings when folded ... 7 3
of the tail g 0
Inches. Lines,
Length of the tarsus 1 9
of the outer toe 0 11
of the middle toe 1 6
of the inner toe 0 10
of the hinder toe 0 G|
In the female the crest is shorter and the colours are less brilliant, the
extent ot the crimson upon the wings is also less and on few of the quills
does it reach beyond the basal half of the feathers. Both sexes are nearly
alike in size.
This species, as far as I know, has only yet been found towards Port Natal. It inhabits the
scatteied thickets which occur along the coast, and in the densest portions of these it seeks its
food, which consists of fruits, &c. It is a very shy bird, and unless the spot upon which it
perches after it has been disturbed be well marked, it will rarely be discovered by the hunter.
W hen conscious of danger, it remains perfectly motionless, and as its usual position is parallel
to the branch upon which it rests, little appears to facilitate the discovery. In moving from
one part of a branch to another, it generally runs along it, either ascending or descending,
according to circumstances, and it often pursues a similar course while removing from one side of
a tree to the other.
Besides the present species, Corythaix Persa also inhabits southern Africa. The latter is
still common within the limits of the colony, and there is scarcely a forest or wooded ravine
from which the quick-sighted collector may not obtain specimens. It sits and moves to and
fro upon trees in the manner of C. porpliyreolopha.
J
TURDUS OBSCURUS.— Smith.
Aves. — Plate XXXVI. — Male.
T. capite, dorso, guld, gutture, pectore, abdominisque lateribus griseo-brunneis; abdomine medio humerisque
intern^ rubro-aurantiis ; caud* tectricibus inferioribus griseo-brunneis, singulis lined longitudinali
alba variegatis ; alarum tectricibus minoribus, remigium tectricibus, remigibus, rectricibusque
brunneis ; rostro pedibusque flavis ; ocnlis brunneis.
Longitddo corporis cum capite, 5 unc ; caudse, 4-}, unc.
Merula obscura, Smith. — App. to Kop. of Exped. p. 45, June, 1836.
Colour. — The upper parts of the head, neck and body, together with the
chin, throat, breast, and sides of belly, intermediate between broccoli and
clove-brown (greyish brown), — the colour of the four last named regions
lightest. Lesser wing coverts, primary and secondary quill coverts, quill-
feathers, and tail umber-brown, glossed with broccoli-brown, the tail darkest.
Belly reddish orange, deadened with a tint of greyish-brown ; inner surface
of wings towards shoulders bright reddish orange ; under tail-coverts greyish-
brown, each feather with a dirty whitish stripe in the course of the shaft, and
several of them are tipped with the same colour. Bill, legs and claws,
yellow. Eyes dark brown.
Form, &c. — Typical. Bill rather slender, and strongly compressed, the
upper mandible considerably longer than the lower, and flattened towards the
point; angles of mouth sparingly furnished with short bristles. Wings
moderately long, and when folded reach to the commencement of the last
half of the tail; the fourth and fifth quill feathers equal and longest, the
third and sixth slightly shorter, the second about half an inch shorter than
the third, the first rudimentary, and scarcely more than an inch in length.
Tail slightly rounded at the point. Tarsi and toes robust, the former with
TURDUS OBSCURUS.
slight indications of scutse in front, towards the toes ; claws strong and much
curved, particularly those of the middle and hinder toes.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
Length from the point of the bill to
the tip of the tail 9 6
Length of the bill from the gape 1 0^
of the wings when folded ... 5 2
of the tail 4 6
The colours are the same in both
duller tint.
Inches. Lines.
Length of the tarsus 1 3
of the outer toe 0 8
of the middle toe 0 10^
of the inner toe 0 6f
of the hinder toe 0 4|
sexes, only those of the female are of a
The metropolis of this species is probably on the east coast towards Delagoa Bay, at least the
few specimens we obtained were found in that direction. It is a solitary bird, inhabiting
damp secluded thickets and brushwood skirting the banks of rivers, and is generally seen in
such localities actively employed in displacing the decayed vegetation which occurs upon the
surface of the soil, and which covers the insects and worms upon which it feeds.
T URDUS STREP I TANS
( Ave s_ Pla te 57)
TURDUS STREPITANS.— Smith.
Aves. — Plate XXXVII. — Male.
T. sordid^ griseus ; fronte verticeque fortiter, nucha, cervice, interscapularibus, scapularibus, humerisque
leviter brunneo-tinctis ; subtus albus, hie illic, ocbreo-tinctus ; cervicis lateribus, pectore, abdomineque
maculis pyriformibus notatis ; capitis lateribus albis ocbrco-tinctis et fasciis tribus yariatis interne
conjunctis. Oculis rubro-brunneis. Mandibula superioro, inferioris apice, unguibusque livido-brun-
neis ; mandibula inferiore, pedibusque flavis. Cauda breve leviter bifurcata.
Longitudo unc.
Mertjla Letsitsiktjpa, Smith, Eep. of Exped. App. p. 46. June, 1836.
Colour. — Front and top of head brownish grey; occiput, upper aspect of
neck, interscapulars, scapulars and shoulders deep yellowish grey, faintly
shaded with brown ; back, rump, and upper tail coverts dirty ash-grey. Un-
der parts white, tinted in places with ochre-yellow, and the sides of the neck,
the whole of the breast, the flanks and the belly are variegated with blackish
brown pyriform spots, one on each feather, the large end reaching nearly to
its point. Sides of the head white, slightly tinted with ochre-yellow, and
each is variegated below the eyes with three blackish brown bands; the an-
teriormost proceeds from the base of the lower mandible, the second from the
middle of the under eyelid, and the third from the outer angle of the eye, the
first extends nearly horizontally, and the two others obliquely downwards and
backwards till they unite with the horizontal one. Primary wing coverts and
primary quill feathers deep brownish red, the latter tipped and edged exter-
nally with yellowish white ; the first two-thirds at least of the inner vanes of
these feathers are of a clear buff-colour, darkest towards the shafts ; the se-
condary wing coverts, and the secondary and tertiary quill feathers dark
greyish brown, the outer vanes lightest, all margined externally and tipped
with dirty white. Eyes reddish brown ; upper mandible and tip of lower
inferiorly as well as the claws liver-brown ; lower mandible elsewhere and the
cutting edge of upper pale saffron-yellow. Feet and insides of bill deep
straw-yellow.
Form, &c.~ Figure robust and rather short. Bill long, and moderately
strong ; the upper mandible broad and slightly depressed towards the base,
TURDUS STREPITANS.
narrow and distinctly notched near the tip ; culmen between nostrils elevated
and rounded, towards the point of bill strongly curved ; nasal fosses large and
membranous, the nostrils narrow longitudinal slits near to the edges ot man-
dible ; wings short and rounded, and when folded they reach over the first half
of the tail ; the first quill feather rudimentary, the third rather the longest,
the second and fourth of equal length and scarcely shorter than the third, the
fifth a little shorter than the fourth, and the remaining primaries diminish in
length successively. Tail short and slightly forked. Legs long; tarsi ro-
bust, anteriorly indistinctly scutellated, posteriorly entire ; toes strong, the
inner and outer toes of the same length ; claws strong, much curved and
pointed.
DIMENSIONS.
In. Lines.
Length from the point of the bill to
the tip of the tail 8 6
of the tail 3 0
of the hill from the angle of the
mouth 1 2
In. Lines.
Length of the wings when folded 5 2
of the tarsus 1 3
of the middle toe 0 8^
of the outer toe 0 5
of the inner toe 0 3 5
The colours of the female differ little if at all from those of the male.
Immediately upon reaching Kurichane, this thrush began to appear in the thickets, and we
continued to acquire occasionally a specimen even in the vicinity of the Tropic. It seeks its
food upon the ground, and when so occupied, its resort is readily discovered by the natives
from the noise it makes in scratching the ground, or in displacing rubbish and decayed leaves
which conceal the insects it is seeking. The name by which it is known in the country it in-
habits is characteristic of the vigour with which it employs its feet, the nearest translation we
can give of it is the “ Ground-Scraper.”
The form of its bill, particularly towards the base, the length of its legs, and the shortness of
its tail, are all characters which remove it from the more typical species of the genus Turdus ,
yet there is in its structure and habits what necessarily constitutes it a true thrush.
T URDUS DIB 0 U YANA.
(Aro3-Pla±e 38)
TURDUS LIBONYANA.— Smith.
Aves. — Plate XXXVIII. — Male.
T. supra valdk flavo-griseus, yertice brunneo-tincto ; alarum tectricibus minoribus, remigium tectricibus,
pogoniisque externis brunneo-griseis, priurlbus aurantio-lavatis ; remigibus, intern^ versus basin
pallid^ aurantiis ; gutture flavo-albo, utrinque fascia nigro-brunneo-maculata marginato ; pectore
flavo-griseo pallid^ aurantio tincto; abdominis lateribus aurantiis, medio crissoque albis; oculis
brunneis ; rostro pedibusque flavis.
Loxgitddo, 9 unc.
Merula Libonyana, Smith, Rep. of Exped. App. page 45. June, 1836.
Colour. — Above deep yellowish grey, the top of the head strongly shaded
with brownish red. Shoulders, lesser wing coverts, quill coverts, and outer
vanes of quill feathers brownish grey ; the lesser coverts, and the secondary
quill coverts faintly tinted with pale buff orange, and the latter distinctly
edged with the same colour ; inner vanes of quill feathers brownish red,
broadly margined internally towards the base with pale buff-orange. The
two middle feathers of the tail and the outer vanes of the rest deep broccoli-
brown, the inner vanes brownish red, distinctly tipped and faintly margined
with white ; in certain lights all the feathers appear crossed by a great
number of bars of a darker tinge than the ground colour. Throat white
tinned with ochre-yellow, and margined on each side by a series of small
oval spots of a blackish brown colour, and so arranged as to form two longi-
tudinal bands, one extending from each side of the base of lower mandible.
Breast light yellowish gray, faintly tinged with pale Dutch-orange ; sides of
belly and inner surface of shoulders bright Dutch-orange ; middle of belly,
vent and under tail coverts white, many of the latter feathers brown towards
their base. Eyes dark brown, bill, feet, and claws, yellow, the latter clouded
with brown.
Form, &c.— Typical. Bill nearly straight, the culmen slightly arched
towards the base, strongly towards the point; edges of under mandible in-
flected and received within those of the upper. Wings moderately long,
TURDUS LIBONYANA.
rounded, and when folded cover about the first half of the tail ; first quill
rudimentary, the third, fourth, and fifth equal and longest, the second and
sixth slightly shorter than the fifth. Tail slightly forked, and the two outer-
most feathers rather shorter than the rest. Tarsi moderately strong, distinctly
scutellated anteriorly near to the toes, elsewhere entire ; toes robust, the
outer slightly longer than the inner one ; all armed with curved and pointed
claws, the claw of the hinder toe both longest and strongest.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
Length from the point of the bill to
the tip of the tail 9 0
Length of the tail 4 0
of the bill from the angle of
the mouth 1 1
Length of the wings when folded
of the tarsus
of the middle toe
of the outer toe
of the hinder toe
Inches. Lines.
4 6
1 2t
0 9
0 6
0 4,^
The colours of the female are not quite so bright as those of the male, par-
ticularly those of the belly, the inner surfaces of the shoulders and the internal
edges of the wing feathers.
The first specimens of this thrush were procured in the neighbourhood of Kurichane. The
thickets which occur upon the banks of rivers form its favourite habitat, and it is usually
found early in the mornings actively engaged under these thickets in seeking its food, which
it often acquires by displacing the rubbish with which the ground in such situations is commonly
covered. When disturbed while so occupied it generally takes wing and flies to the spots most
densely supplied with foliage, in which it endeavours to conceal itself. In all its habits it
closely resembles Le Griverou of Le Vaillant# ( Turdus olivaceus), and several individuals
were passed in the first instance without notice under an idea that they were of the last named
species. When one was killed, however, the differences were readily detected : the throat was
found to want the spots which exist in Turdus olivaceus, and the colours generally to be different,
though distributed nearly according to the same pattern.
* Osieaux d’Afrique, plate 98.
*
TURDUS GUTTATUS— Vigors.
Aves. — Plate XXXIX.
T. superne flavo-brunneus, subtiis albus plus minusve pallide flavo-brunneo-nebulatus ; capitis latenbus
strigis tribus nigro-brunneis variatis ; pectore abdomineque guttis subrotundis brunneis notatis ;
tectricibus alarum rectricibusque tribus utrinque lateralibus ad apicem albis ; rostro sordid^ rufo-
brunneo; mandibula inferiore ad basin viridi-flava; oculis brunneis ; pedibus viridi-flavis.
Longitudo corporis cum capite 5| unc; caudaa, 4 unc.
Turdus guttattjs, Vigors. Proceedings of Zoological Society, 1831, p. 92.
Colour. — The upper parts of the head, the back of the neck, the inter-
scapulars, back, shoulders and tail intermediate between honey-yellow and
orange-brown (rich yellowish brown) ; eye-brows and sides of head white
tinted with yellowish brown, and the latter is besides variegated with three
umber-brown stripes and a number of minute brown spots ; two of the stiipes
originate immediately behind the eye and enclose the ear coverts, the thiid
commences at the base of the lower mandible and terminates about the
middle of the neck. Chin, throat, sides of neck, breast, belly, vent, and
under tail coverts white ; the sides of the breast are tinted with yellowish
brown, and each of the feathers of the breast and belly has a roundish
umber-brown spot at its tip. Lesser wing coverts and primary and
secondary quill coverts umber-brown, with the middle portion of each of the
outer vanes of the primary coverts light yellowish brown, the tips of the
other feathers pure white. The inner vanes of the quill feathers dull umber-
brown the outer vanes dull wood-brown and edged particularly towards
their bases with dirty cream-yellow ; the tail is of the same colour as the
back and the three lateral feathers of each side are broadly tipt with white,
more especially the outermost, the inner vane of which is white for more than
an inch from ‘the tip. Bill dull reddish brown, with the lower mandible
towards the base greenish yellow. Legs and claws greenish yellow.
Form &c —Typical. Bill nearly straight, moderately compressed, and
the culmen slightly arched. Wings when folded reach some way over the
second third of the tail ; the first quill feather rudimentary, the fourth and
TURDUS GUTTATUS.
fifth longest and equal, the third and sixth rather shorter, the second about
three quarters of an inch shorter than the two longest. Tail long and slightly
rounded at the point. Tarsi moderately long, rather robust, and with indi-
cations of plates anteriorly towards the toes, elsewhere entire ; claws strong,
the anterior ones much curved.
Length from the point of the bill to
the tip of the tail 9 6
of the bill from the gape 1 1|
of the wings when folded 4 10
of the tail 4 0
Inches. Lines.
Length of the tarsus I 3^
the outer toe 0 7
the middle toe 0 9|
the inner toe 0 6
the hinder toe 0 5
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
The colours of the female are not known.
Only a very few specimens of this species have yet been procured, and none beyond the
forests which border upon Port Natal. Those which we have seen were found in damp retired
situations ; and when discovered, were actively employed, beneath the brushwood, in search
of food.
••
*
AQUILA CORUNATA .
^A.Yes_Plate 40.)
AQUILA CORONATA. — Smith.
Aves. — Plates XL. and XLI.
A. capite, cervice, partibusque inferioribus flavo-albis; cruribus nigro-brunneis maculatis ; dorso griseo-
brunneo, plumis albo-marginatls ; uropygio, caudaeque tectricibus superioribus nigro-brunneis albo-
fasciatis ; alis subbrevibus ; cauda longa, nigro brunnea, dimidio ultimo fasciis tribus cceseis notato
et albo tenninato ; rostro rubro-brunneo; digitis oculisque flavis.
Lonc.itudo maris, 34^ unc.
Faloo coronatus, Lin.
The Crowned Eagle, Edwards, Plate 224.
Imperial Eagle of Africa. — Griffith’s Animal Kingdom, vol. vi. p. 230.
Aquila coronata, Smith. — South African Quarterly Journal, second series.
{Adult Male. Plate XL.)
Colour. — Head, crest, neck, and under parts, yellowish white ; the thighs
externally variegated with large blackish brown bars and arrow-shaped spots,
the points of the latter directed towards the bases of the feathers, internally,
like the tarsi, they are marked with delicate umber-brown streaks in the
course of the shafts ; some of the under tail-coverts crossed with irregular
umber-brown bars, the shafts of the feathers of the crest brown. Interscapu-
lars and feathers of the back hoary brown, broadly margined with winte, tne
former lightest ; rump and tail-coverts blackish brown, irregularly barred and
broadly tipped with white. Lesser wing coverts blackish brown, clouded or
rather irregularly barred with greyish brown, and all broadly edged at
and near the point with white. Primary quill coverts deep blackish
brown, tipped with white, their inner vanes towards quills hoary brown ;
secondary quill coverts blackish brown, with white points, and several
broad brownish grey bars. The inner vanes of the primary quill feathers
dingy umber-brown, crossed towards their points with irregular blackish
brown bars, and towards the bases by white ones ; the latter towards the
inner edge of the feather spreads so as to form nearly the whole of the mar-
ginal colour ; outer vanes blackish brown, barred with grey. The inner vanes
of the secondary and tertiary quill feathers light brown, fading towards their
inner edges into white, and here and there crossed by irregular blackish brown
AQUILA CORONATA.
bars, which diminish in width towards the margins of the feathers ; outer vanes
transversely banded, blackish brown and deep hoary grey. Tail blackish
brown, tipped with white, the last half variegated with three broad, deep,
hoary grey bands. The upper mandible and the lower, except at its base,
liver-brown, clouded with reddish brown, the base of the lower mandible dingy
yellow. Eyes and toes yellow ; claws a dark horn colour. Most of the
feathers of this bird have a faint silky gloss.
Specimens are frequently obtained in which the under parts are more or
less tinged with pale hyacinth-red, and blotched with brown ; such appear-
ances are only to be regarded as indications of immaturity.
Form. — Figure moderately robust ; feathers of occiput considerably elon-
gated, and forming a distinct crest. Bill strongly curved towards the point,
and the festoon on the cutting edge of upper mandible slightly developed.
Wings short, somewhat rounded, and, when folded, reach about two inches
beyond the base of the tail ; the fifth and sixth quill feathers equal and longest ;
the fourth and seventh equal and a little shorter ; the third rather longer,
and the second rather shorter than the eighth ; the first nearly five inches
shorter than the two longest. Legs powerful and feathered to the toes. The
toes superiorly with a few transverse plates behind base of claws, elsewhere
coated with small subcircular scales ; claws long, powerful, much curved and
flat beneath.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
Length from the point of the bill to
the tip of the tail 34 6
of the bill from the angle of the
mouth 2 4J
of the wings when folded 19 0
of the tail 14 0
Inches. Lines.
Length of the tarsus 4 0
. of the outer toe 1 6
of the middle toe 2 2
of the inner toe 1 3
of the hinder toe 1 1
of the hinder claw 2 8
(Young Female. Plate XLI.)
Colour. — The top of the head, the chin, the throatf and the feathers of
the crest umber-brown, the tips of the latter cream yellow ; the sides of the
head and the upper and lateral parts of the neck dull yellowish biown ; the
interscapulars, back, rump, upper tail coverts, shoulders, lesser wing
coverts, primary and secondary wing coverts and scapulars, rich blackish
brown, with a strong resplendent gloss in certain lights. The secondary
wing coverts and the upper tail coverts partially barred with dusky white,
and the latter also narrowly tipped with the same colour. Breast blackish
brown, all the feathers towards the bases cream-yellow with a reddish tint ;
belly, flanks, vent, and under tail coverts, blackish brown, variegated with bars
AQUILA CORONATA. (you yig )
(Ares — Plate 4-1.)
AQUILA CORONATA.
of pure white or bright reddish orange ; and the feathers of the belly and the
tail coverts are tipped with one or other of these colours. Thighs externally
velvet-black, the feathers tipped and partially barred with white ; the tarsi
and thighs internally deep umber-brown, tipped and barred with white. Tail
coloured as in the adult. Base of lower mandible, edges of upper towards
the angle of the mouth, and the toes, yellow ; the other parts of the bill and
claws horn colour, the latter lightest.
Form, &c.— Figure rather more massive than that of the male, the feathers
of the crest rounded at the points ; in other respects the description of the
male will apply to the female.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
Length from the point of the bill to
the tip of the tail 37 0
of the bill from the angle of
the mouth 2
of the wings when folded 20 6
of the tail 16 0
Inches. Lines.
Length of the tarsus 5 0
of the outer toe 1 6
of the middle toe 2 0
of the inner toe 1 2
of the hinder toe 1 1
of the hinder claw 3 1
There is every reason to believe that this is the bird figured as the “ Imperial Eagle of
Africa,” in Griffith’s Animal Kingdom, and if so, it is an inhabitant of both Western and
Southern Africa, and has a similar range as Aquila bellicosa, which is found at Sierra Leone,
as well as at the Cape of Good Hope. In South Africa it inhabits the same districts as the
last-named species, and is only to be distinguished from it, when flying, by the comparative
shortness and roundness of its wings, and the great length of its tail. By these peculiarities it
is also readily distinguished from the other or more common species when in the hand ; and
if further proofs of difference are required, the markings of the tail and the character of the
crest will supply ample evidence of its being a distinct species. In A. coronata, there are only
three lio-ht-coloured bars to the tail, and all of these upon the last half of it; while m A.
bellicosa there are seven light-coloured bars, part of them on the first half. The crest, in the
first-mentioned, is strongly developed at all ages; in the last it is only rudimentary, both
in youth and in advanced age. It feeds, like its congener, upon small quadrupeds, &c., but
is not so active in seizing them, probably owing to the greater imperfection of its wings. It
builds its nest on lofty trees, and lays two eggs.
AQUILA BELLICOSA .
(Aves_Plate 42)
AQUILA BELLICOSA.
Aves. — Plate XLII. — (Middle-aged Female.)
A. supra, purpureo-brunnea, plumis partim purpureo-griseis tinctis ; cervice infra pectoreque brunneis ;
ventre, cruribusque albis, maculis fasciisque brunneis variegatis ; cauda purpureo-brunnea fasciis
septem purpureo-griseis notata, apice albo.
Longitudo 36 unc. 6 lin.
Le Griff ard, Levaill. — Ois. d’ Afrique, vol. i. plate 1.
Falco bellicoscs, Daud. — Orn. vol. ii. p. 38. — Latham, Ind. Orn. Supp. 1801.
Falco aumiger. — Shaw’s General Zoology, 1806.
Colour. — Head, neck, breast, back, rump, upper tail coverts, and lesser
wing coverts dull purplish brown, the interscapulars and the featheis of the
back and rump, together with the upper tail coverts, and lesser wing coverts,
more or less clouded with dull lavender-purple, and tipped with white ;
the edges of many of these feathers inclining to yellowish brown, belly, vent,
under tail-coverts and legs white, variegated with irregular shaped blotches
and short transverse stripes of a purplish brown colour, the latter principally
confined to the legs ; primary quill coverts and secondary quill feathers purplish
brown, the outer vanes of the former and the inner vanes of the latter towards
their base clouded with lavender-purple, which colour on the coverts almost
forms distinct bars ; the points of the last named feathers white ; secondary
wing coverts yellowish brown clouded with lavender- purple, and tipped with
dusky white. Primary quill feathers dusky brown with a strong shade of
grey, particularly on the outer vanes ; the inner vanes with a number of
umber-brown bars. Tail above barred purplish brown and dull lavender-
purple eight bars of the former colour and seven of the latter ; beneath white,
barred’ with brown; the tips of all the feathers white. Bill and claws a
livid horn colour, with a yellow blotch on each side of base of lower mandible
towards the angle of the mouth. Eyes yellow. Toes livid greenish-yellow.
Form, &c.— Figure moderately robust, somewhat intermediate between
that of the more typical eagles and Morphinus ; feathers of occiput slightly
elongated and forming a rudimentary crest. Bill strongly curved towards the
AQUILA BELLICOSA.
point, the hook of upper mandible greatly lengthened, and the festoon on the
cutting edge strongly developed. Wings long and pointed, and when folded
reach to within about two inches of the tip of the tail ; the third and fourth
quill feathers equal and longest ; the second and fifth slightly shorter ; the
fiist considerably shorter. Toes with a few transverse plates superiorly behind
the base of the claws ; elsewhere covered with small, more or less circular
scales. Claws very strong, much curved and pointed, particularly those of the
middle and hinder toes ; these are also grooved internally. Tail, fan-shaped.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
Length from the point of the bill to
the tip of the tail 36 6
of the bill from the gape 2 9
of the wings when folded 24 6
of the tail 14 0
of the tarsus 5 0
We have never met a male bird of
sented in the plate, yet we have res
changes ; we have seen one in which
were still perceptible on the belly.
Inches. Lines.
Length of the outer toe 1 n
of the inner toe 1 n
of the middle toe 2 11
of the hinder toe 1 7
of the middle claw 2 1
of the hinder claw 2 9
e age in which the female is repre-
n to believe both undergo the same
faint indications of brown markings
The plumage of the specimen figured, we are inclined to believe, is that of a bird of the
second year, and that had it lived till after another moulting period, the whole of the under
parts, behind the breast, with the exception of the legs, would have been a uniform white
colour, or, m other words, it would have exhibited the garb which immediately precedes that
of maturity, and which has been described and represented by Levaillant* Small antelopes,
hares, and gallinaceous birds, constitute the common food of this eagle, and after capturing
them, it carries them away in its powerful talons, either to its nest or to some convenient situation
where it can in safety consume them. In seeking its prey, it flies almost constantly in circles,
and generally at a very great height ; yet the distance to which it ascends does not appear to
prove disadvantageous to it, as it readily detects the smallest of the quadrupeds upon which
it feeds, even from the great elevation to which it ascends. On discovering its prey it instantly
descends, and advances to the object of its pursuit with a rapidity and a noise which excites
surprise, though its approach may not have been unobserved.
* Oiseaux d’Afrique. vol, i. plate 1.
CIRCUS SmiNSONII Aacl-uit_B.yoxmg.
TA_v&S- Plate 4; 3)
CIRCUS SWAINSONII.— Smith.
Aves. — Plates XLIII and XLIV.
C. pallid^ griacus, flavo-griseo umbratus ; subtus albus, gutture pectoreque griseo- tinctis ; caucla; tectricibus
superioribus albis, maculis, fasciisque flavo-griseis notatis ; rectricibus duabus intermediis griseis, flavo-
griseo tinctis, lateralibus partim griseis partim albis fasciis brunneis sex notatis. Rostro livido-nigro ;
cera, pedibus, oculisque flavis.
Longit'udo I 9 unc.
Circus Swainsonii, Smith. — South African Quarterly Journal, vol. i. page 384, 1830.
Circus pallidus, Sykes.— Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London, 1832, page 80.
(Adult Male. Plate XLIII. Fig. 1.)
Colour. — Above ash-grey, clouded with yellowish-grey, d he front, the
eye-brows, the upper tail-coverts, the inner surface of the shoulders, and all
the under parts snow-white, the throat and breast tinted with pearl-grey,
and the tail-coverts blotched and barred with yellow or brownish-grey.
Lesser wing-coverts, primary and secondary quill-coverts, scapulars, tertiary
quill-feathers, and a few of the innermost secondaries the same colour as the
back ; the secondary quill-coverts narrowly tipped with white, and like the
tertiaries and innermost secondaries broadly edged internally with the same
colour. The basal half of the inner vane of each primary quill-feather white,
variegated with incomplete brown bars, the last half dark liver-brown, passing
into white at the extreme points ; outer vanes towards the tips brown, more or
less deeply tinged with grey, the three or four outermost grey towards the
quills. The two centre tail-feathers ash-grey clouded with yellowish-grey,
and with faint indications of dark bars on each side of the shafts ; the next
two of each side, more or less of the same colour, and with six imperfect dull
brown bars, each obscurely edged anteriorly and posteriorly with dirty white ;
the three outermost feathers white with six incomplete brownish-grey bars, those
of the outer vanes on some of the feathers being connected with each other
externally by the same colour, the bars of the exterior feather of each side
tinged with buff-orange ; the tips of all the feathers white. Under surface of tail
white, with the dark bars obscurely marked. Bill livid black, with a yellow
blotch on the edge of both upper and under mandible near base ; cere, legs and
toes yellow. Claws a dark horn colour. Eyes yellow.
The feathers of all the upper parts of this bird have a distinct silky lustre.
Form, &c.— Figure long and slender. Bill delicate and strongly hooked,
the cere covered°with strong recumbent bristles; cervical collar distinctly
marked, wings when folded reach beyond the commencement of the last third
CIRCUS SWAINSONII.
of the tail; the third and fourth quill-feathers equal and longest. Tail long
and slightly round at the point. Tarsi long and rather slender.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
Length from the point of the hill to
the tip of the tail 19 0
Length of the bill from the gape 1 0
of the wings when folded 13 0
of the tail 9 6
Inches. Lines.
Length of the tarsus 2 6
of the middle toe 1 2
of the outer toe 0 9J
of the inner toe 0 8J
of the hinder toe 0 6
( Middle Aged Male. — Plate XLII1. Fig 2.)
Colour. — Above, a part of the plumage is purplish brown and a part dark
silvery grey, the latter most advanced upon the shoulders and anterior
parts of the wings. Chin, throat, and breast greyish white, variegated
with large rusty brown stripes, one along the middle of each feather ;
belly, flanks, thighs, vent, and under tail-coverts white, with a number of
longitudinal stripes of a colour intermediate between tile and hyacinth-red ;
upper tail-coverts white, clouded with grey towards the point.
( Young Female. — Plate XLIV.)
Colour. — The top of the head, cheeks, ear-coverts, upper surface of
the neck, interscapulars, back, scapulars, and lesser wing-coverts purplish
brown with a satin lustre, the feathers of the top of the head and the lesser
wing-coverts tipped with pale buff-orange, those of the back with reddish
orange. The primary and secondary wing-coverts and the quill-feathers
umber-brown with a purple shade ; the primary wing-coverts are tipped with
white, and the first half of the inner vanes of the primary quill-feathers are
white barred with dark-brown, the outer vanes strongly tinted with grey ; the
quill-feathers narrowly tipped with dirty white. The four middle tail-feathers
barred alternately with purplish brown and greyish brown, the bars of the
latter colours clouded with buff or w hite shades ; the lateral feathers dirty
white with three or four rusty brown bars ; the tips of all bright sienna yellow.
Eye-brows, space under eye, and the rump white ; cervical collar, throat, and
all the under parts intermediate between sienna-yellow and Dutch-orange ;
several of the feathers of cervical collar towards its upper extremities brown
near centre, and several of those of the breast and belly the same colour
near their shaft.
This bird has a wide range in South Africa, and I have myself seen specimens of it, though
sparingly, in the neighbourhood of Cape Town, and also near Port Natal, the mouth of the
Orange River, and the Tropic of Capricorn. Like its congeners it flies low, often almost
touching the surface of the ground, and generally in a straight line, rather than in circles. Its
vv
CIRCUS SmiNSOM. (young)
s_PlAte M)
CIRCUS SWAINSONII,
food consists of small quadrupeds, birds, reptiles, &c. and upon some one or other of these it is
often to be seen pouncing in the course of its flight. Damp and marshy situations appear
to form its favourite hunting grounds, but it does not, like some of the other Cape species,
select those to the exclusion of dry and grassy plains.
Although I am not possessed of the information which would enable me to state positively
the ao'e at which Circus Swainsonii attains its mature plumage, yet I have reason to believe it
appears with the moult of the second year. A female of the first year is represented in Plate
XLIV ; and fig. 2 of Plate XLIII is a male probably in its second year, just before the adult
garb had been fully acquired. The plumage of the young differs not only in colour, but in
various other respects from that of the adult. The feathers in the former, besides being more
numerous, better formed, and of a more compact texture, are shorter, broader, and more
pointed than in the latter.
This is not the only bird of prey, in which we have observed the texture and form of the
feathers to vary with age. In many of the Accipitres of South Africa, like changes occur ; and
we find those who have the feathers long, narrow, and pointed in youth, have them short, and
with rounded or semicircular points, in mature age — and vice versa, though not in the same re-
markable degree. Thus diagnostic characters, drawn from the configuration of feathers, will
not prove universally applicable ; indeed, in several instances in which attempts have been
made to render the form of these available in the determination of species, confusion and error
have been the result. The long and pointed feathers of Le Chass-jiente, Levaillant, have been
advanced by some authors as the best and readiest characters, by which it was to be distin-
guished from Vultur fulvus, Lin., of which it is only the young. Having examined hundreds
of specimens of the vulture in question, I invariably found all individuals with sallow-coloured
plumage — a mark of youth— to have the feathers narrow and pointed, even in the collaret ;
while in those with a pale-coloured plumage — one of the indications of maturity they weie
broad and semicircular at the points ; while the collaret consisted of coarse, wiry, or decom-
posed feathers, which, in appearance, almost resembled a ruff’ of slender bristles. I often met
with specimens, also, in the intermediate stages between these extremes ; and in many I ob-
served feathers of both descriptions upon the same individuals. In the three vultures which
occur in South Africa {V. fulvus, Lin., V. auricular is, Daud., and V. occipitalis, Burchell,)
one law seems to prevail ; the feathers, in the young of all, are long, narrow, and pointed in
the adults, they are short, broad, and rounded, or semicircular at the points.
Facts such as these, testify what caution is required, in order to estimate correctly the value
of characters, as they appear in individual specimens, which may be presented for examination.
Nothino' short of a total revision of the characters, both of groups and species, will tend in the
slightest degree to free our science from the anomalies, perplexities, and contradictions
by’which it is at present swallowed up. Such an inquiry, if cautiously and patiently carried
through, would supply either what is required, or prove that such a regularity as would enable
the naturalist to detect fixed and general laws, does not exist in nature ; or at least is not to
be discovered by the cultivators of Natural History of the present day. If the revision
be attempted, the degrees of development of individual parts or organs ought especially
to be minutely examined, with a view to discover how far such may be available to classifica-
tion At present, we find the degree of development of some one external organ, often consi-
dered sufficient to constitute a distinct species, though all other characters of the specimen
may be strictly in keeping with those of a species, long known to science. My experience,
CIRCUS SWAINSONII.
which has not been very limited, would incline me to regard the size of external parts, parti-
cularly in certain classes of animated beings, not entitled to consideration, as a specific
character; nor would I even be disposed to admit a greater size of all the parts of the body, as
a proof that an individual in which such a condition was manifested, was of a different species
from another, from which it only differed in being a trifle larger. To this conclusion I should be
led, from having observed among some species, — of Ploceus in particular, that some individuals
were often to be seen considerably larger than others, where no doubt could exist as to their
all being of the same species. During the late expedition into the interior, a well-marked case
in point occurred. In a cluster of reeds, skirting a pool of water, some way to the northward
of Latakoo, we found an enormous flock of Ploceus auricapil/us, Sw. ; and among the indivi-
duals of this flock, a distinct discrepancy, in point of size, was evident ; though not the slightest
difference could be detected, either in the form or structure of their nests, nor in the shape nor
markings of their eggs. Many of the smallest, as well as of the largest individuals, were killed ;
and no differences could be discovered, on the most minute examination, save that the latter
were about a third larger than the former. As I have appeared to lay some weight upon the
character of the nests, in proof of these birds being of the same species, I may merely observe
that each species of Ploceus which inhabits South Africa, forms its nest differently ; and the
differences are very palpable, when those of each sort are compared together.
STRIX CAPENS1S.
(Aves-Plate 4-5.)
STRIX CAPENSIS.— Smith.
Aves. — Plate XLY. — Male.
S. supra brunneo-rubra, maculis parvis albis parc£ notatis; infra pallide rufo-ochrea maculis parvis
cordatis notatis ; fascie brunneo-flava ; circulo cervicali isabellino, plumis pluritnis brunneo-termi-
natis; remigibus subochreis brunneo-fasciatis ; oculis nigro brunneis; rostro, pedibusque livido-flavis.
Longiujdo 16 unc.
Sthix capensis, Smith. — South African Quarterly Journal, New Scries, 1836.
Colour. — The upper surface of the head and neck, the interscapulars, the
hack, rump, upper tail coverts, lesser wing coverts, scapulars and secondary
quill coverts, intermediate between yellowish brown and brownish red, and
variegated with a number of white, more or less spear-shaped spots, one
towards the point of each feather, those on the head and neck smallest and
least distinct. Many of the feathers are also blotched or mottled towards their
base with ochre-yellow, which is most distinctly seen when the plumage is
deranged. Edges of shoulders and inner surface of wings anteriorly pale
Dutch-orange spotted with brown. Primary quill coverts the same colour as
the back, each towards the base mottled with reddish orange ; the inner vanes
of secondary quill coverts dusky white barred with brown. The points of
all the primary quill feathers and the outer vanes of the two outermost ones
brown, the latter with a few reddish orange variegations towards their base,
the remaining primaries, and the secondaries reddish orange externally,
cream-yellow internally, both the vanes barred with brown. Sides of the
neck and under parts of a colour intermediate between ochre-yellow and
pale reddish orange, and each feather, towards its point, is marked with
a small heart-shaped pale brown spot ; tarsi spotless. Facial disc a pale
fawn colour with a pink tint, the bases of the feathers at the inner canthus of
the eye brownish black. The cervical collar pale buff-orange with many of the
feathers, particularly of its inferior portion, tipped with brown. The two
middle tail feathers of the same colour as the back, without variegation ; the
outer vanes of the three next of each side nearly the same colour, only lighter ■
STEIX CAPENSIS.
the inner vanes pale cream-yellow, both crossed with four brown bars ; the
outer vanes of the two outermost scinna-yellow, inner vanes white, both with
four imperfect brown bars ; the points of all the feathers slightly speckled
with white ; bill and toes livid straw-yellow ; eyes brownish black ; claws a
dark horn colour. The whole of the plumage has a slight silky gloss.
Form, &c.— Typical. Bill strongly hooked and pointed. Facial disc
rather large, the feathers rigid and wiry, those in front of the eyes directed
forwards and covering the base of the bill ; cervical collar strongly marked,
the feathers compact, erect, and arranged in several rows, their points
slightly rounded ; wings large, and when folded reach about an inch and a
half beyond the point of the tail ; the second quill feather the longest, the
first and third slightly shorter, the fourth considerably shorter ; tail small and
square at the point ; legs long ; upper half of tarsi covered with feathers,
lower half and toes covered with small flat circular scales, upon which are
scattered a few strong rigid bristles ; the last joint of toes with two or three
transverse plates superiorly ; claws long, slightly curved and pointed.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
Length from the point of the bill to
the tip of the tail 16 0
of the bill from the gape ] 6
of the wings when folded ... 12 8
of the tail 5 3
Inches. Lines.
Length of the tarsus 3 3
of the outer toe 1 11
1 2
of the middle toe 1 4,1
of the inner toe 1 41
of the hinder toe 0 7 1
The female is considerably larger than the male, and the colours are not so
dear. The down with which the young bird is clothed is a dull cream-yellow,
and the plumage of the upper parts during the first year is darker than in
adult birds.
The few specimens of this species which I have seen were obtained near Cape Town, close
to Table Mountain, in the rocky precipices of which they were said to have concealed them-
selves during the day. The colonists recognise this bird as distinct from what they call the
Doodvogel, {Strix flammea, Lin.) which occurs abundantly throughout the whole of South Africa.
By its size we at once distinguish it from Strix badia, Horsfield, the species to which it is by
colours most nearly allied.
-
MEL A.C OTTO TU S SIMILX5 •
(Axe s -Pla-teA 6)
MELACONOTUS SIMILIS.— Smith.
Aves.— Plate XLVL— Female.
M. capite supra, cervice, regioneque interscapulari cceruleo-griseis j dorso, alarunique tectricibus imnonbus
flavo-viridibus, ultimarum quibusdatn etiamque remigium tectricibus pallid^ flayo-terminatis duas
lineas obliquas formantibus ; cauda flavo-virescenti, quatuor pennis extends pallide flavo-termmatis ;
infra lucide flavus, pectore aurantio-tincto. Rostro nigro ; pedibus livido-griseis. Oculis brunneo-
aurantiis.
Longitudo ab apice rostri ad basin caud® 3 unc. 44 bn; caud®, 3 unc. !0J bn.
Mblaconotus similis, Smith. — Rep. of Exped. App. page 44., June, 1836.
Melaconotus chbysogaster, Swains?— Birds of Western Africa, Plate XXY. 1837.
Colour.— The upper and lateral parts of the head and neck, together with
the interscapulars intermediate between pearl and blueish grey, the upper
surface of the head with a slight tint of green ; back, rump, upper tail-
coverts and lesser quill-coverts, intermediate between siskin and oil-green, a
few of the last-named feathers and some of the tail-coverts tipped with
straw-yellow. The front and the feathers immediately before the eyes pale yel-
low; eyebrows white. Primary and secondary quill coverts and the tail-
feathers clear oil-green, the three outermost of the latter, on each side, broadly
tipped with straw-yellow, and the next to them, narrowly, with the same
colour- the primary and secondary quill-coverts straw-yellow at the tips,
forming a second oblique band of that colour on each wing. The three outer-
most quill- feathers brown edged externally with greenish yellow, the re-
mainder of the primaries and the secondaries have the inner vanes brown,
and the outer vanes oil-green. Several of the tertiaries are tipped with straw-
yellow the other parts being green with a brown tinge. The inner vane of
each quill-feather is edged with straw-yellow, which is of considerable breadth
towards their base; inside of shoulder the same yellow. The chin, throat,
and under parts light kings-yellow ; the breast w.th a tmge of orange. The
tail-feathers are all edged externally with straw-yellow, under-surface of tad
light greenish yellow. Bill black ; feet livid greenish grey ; eyes orp.ment-
01 FoSrm, &c. Figure moderately robust. Tail long and rounded at the tip,
MELACONOTUS SIMILIS.
the feathers somewhat pointed. Bill moderately strong anteriorly compressed,
eulmen obtuse and curved from its base towards the point most distinctly ;
the upper mandible strongly hooked, the lateral tooth but slightly developed ;
nostrils close to the base of the bill, near to the commissure, and par-
tially concealed by a few recumbent bristles ; point of lower mandible bent
upwards. Some short bristles towards angles of mouth. Wings rounded,
and when folded reach over the first third of the tail, the fifth quill-feather
rather the longest^ the fourth and sixth equal and slightly shorter, the third
about one line shorter, the second about three lines shorter than the third,
and the first nearly seven lines shorter than the third. Tarsi moderately
robust, anteriorly scutellated, posteriorly entire; toes strong; claws rather
slender, all moderately curved and pointed, those of hinder toes strongest and
most arched.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
Length from the point of the hill to
the tip of the tail 7 3
of the bill from the gape . . 0 9
of the tail 3 1 Oj
of the wings when folded 3 6
Inches. Lines.
Length of the tarsus 0 II
of the outer toe 0 4
of the inner toe 0 3>
of the middle toe 0 5j
of the hinder toe 0 3^
The male of this species was not procured.
Only one specimen of this species was obtained, and the structure of its feathers indicated
that it had not quite reached the age of maturity. The bird described by Swainson,* under
the name of Melaconotus chrysogaster, is probably a male of this species, which has nearly, if
not actually, attained its adult plumage. The existence of two yellow bars upon the wings in
our specimen would argue against the identity, but as we know that such colours in this
group generally disappear as age advances, we hold their existence as no valid objection to
the conclusion, more especially as in Melaconotus olivaceus we know that change actually takes
place, and even the yellow terminations of the external tail-feathers often disappear about the
age of maturity.
Our specimen was killed near Kurichane, lat. 26" South, when searching for its food
(insects) among the branches of an acacia tree, and some others which were seen, though not
killed, were similarly employed upon similar trees in the same neighbourhood ; none were
found more to the southward. Those we saw were in localities thinly covered with scattered
trees, and they evidently preferred the latter to a denser foliage, inasmuch as a choice was
offered. The last remark will also apply to Melaconotus olivaceus, which is always found among
the branches of lofty trees, even where the surface of the ground around them is densely
coated with brushwood, and forming just such a jungle as would please the true Melaconoti.
* Jardine’s Naturalist’s Library, Ornithology, vol. vii. page 244.
r
LAMPROTORNIS BURCHELLII. — Smith.
Aves. — Plate X.LVII. — Male.
L. capite supra, regione interscapulari, dorso, liumeris, remigium tectricibus, caudue tectricibus superiori-
bus mento, gutture, pectoreque profunde viridi nitentibus ; cerviee, uropygio abdomincque cyaneo-
purpureis ; capitis lateribus brunneo-purpureis, plumis quibusdam purpureo-rubro terminatis ; rec-
tum pogoniis extends, cyaneo-purpureis ; pogoniis intends branneo-nigris ; rectricibus duabus in-
termediis ®neo-purpureis, reliquis cyaneo-purpureis, omnibus earum remigiumque pogoniis ex-
ternis, subnigro-fasciatis. Rostro, pedibusque brunneo-nigris ; oculis griseo-nigris.
Longitudo ab apice rostri ad basin caudm 6 unc. 9 lin. ; caudee 6 unc. 9 lin.
Megalopterus Australis, Smith.* — Rep. of Exped. App. page 52, June, 1836.
Colour, &c. — The upper surface of the head, the inter scapulars, the
scapulars, the shoulders, the large and smaller quill coverts, the upper
tail-coverts, the chin, the throat and the breast dark duck-green with a
splendid metallic lustre; the sides of the head pansy-purple, many ol the
feathers tipped with brilliant shining purplish red passing into flame-red.
The back and the sides of the neck superiorly, together with the rump
and the belly splendent dark plum-purple, the intensity of the colour vary-
ing according to the direction in which the light falls upon the featheis;
vent and under tail-coverts the same colour, only neither quite so deep nor
so bright ; inner vanes of quill feathers brownish black, shaded with green
in certain lights ; some of the outer vanes coloured like the top of the
head, others edged with nut-colour, and elsewhere like the rump plum-
purple. The two middle tail-feathers bronzed-purple, deadened by a gloss of
green, the outer vanes of the remainder the same colour as the rump, the
inner vanes brownish black ; all the tail-feathers and the outer vanes of
the quill-feathers are faintly variegated with numerous pale, velvet-black
bars. On the centre of the abdomen anteriorly there is a large brilliant
purplish red blotch, and towards the inner edge of each wing a little behind
the point there is an oval spot of the same tint, which in certain positions
appears to pass into flame-red, the latter is margined externally with plum-
purple. Several of the smaller wing-coverts, and some of the scapulars are
broadly banded with velvet-black, and these feathers, as well as most of the
smaller ones of this bird, are brownish red, with a silky lustre towards their
base. Inner surface of quill-feathers and under surface of tail chocolate-
red Bill and feet brownish black ; eyes greyish black.
Form, &c.— Figure moderately robust ; bill rather short, nearly straight,
and laterally convex; tip of bill and culmen obtuse; nasal fossa; deep ; nostrils
* Having carefully examined a number of species of Lamprotornis , I find the peculiarities mani-
fested by the present species, in common with several others, result only from different degrees of develop-
ment of individual parts, and consequently cannot be employed as genenc characters. I have, therefore,
found it necessary to discard the group I indicated in 1836, under the title of Megalopterus, and also
the trivial name of the species I described (Australis) as being inapplicable now that the bird must be
regarded as a true Lamprotornis. The specific appellation which has been substituted will doubtless be
approved by persons who desire the merits of a scientific naturalist and able traveller to be duly honoured.
LAMPROTORNIS BURCHELLII.
oval, the upper margins prominent. Wings very large, rounded, and when
folded reach nearly to the commencement of the last half of the tail, the
third, fourth, and fifth quill-feathers equal and longest, the sixth slightly
shorter, the second and seventh equal and about an inch shorter than the
longest ones, the first not quite half the length of the second ; the points
of the inner vanes of the three longest feathers obliquely truncated. Tail
long, full, and strongly graduated, the two middle feathers longest and
slightly narrower than the lateral ones ; the external one of each side about
half the length of the two middle ones, the intermediate ones successively
graduated between the two extremes. Tarsi strong, anteriorly distinctly
scutellated, posteriorly entire ; toes strong, particularly the hinder one, the
lateral ones nearly of equal length and shorter than the hinder one, the
middle one the longest ; claws blunt and slightly curved, those of the hinder
toes large and robust.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches.
Lines.
Inches.
Lines.
Length from the point of the bill
to
Length of the tarsus
i
the tip of the tail
... 13
G
of the outer toe
0
n
of the bill from the gape . . .
1
n
of the inner toe
0
of the tail
6
9
of the middle toe
0
nj
of the wings when folded .
... 7
6
of the hinder toe
0
Si
In the female the tail is rather shorter, in proportion, than in the male ; and
the metallic gloss of the plumage, generally, not so brilliant.
We were aware of the existence of this bird for several weeks before we knew to what
group it belonged, or even could venture a surmise as to its relations. The great size of its
wings, and the peculiar appearance it had in consequence when flying, baffled all our conjectures,
and the extreme caution and shyness it observed for a long time ensured it safety, even in the
midst of our guns. It was rarely seen to leave high trees, except to remove from one to
another, so that, till specimens were actually secured, we never for an instant fancied it to be a
Lamprotornis. It appeared to seek its food, which consisted of insects and fruits, almost
exclusively upon trees; on the other hand, the more common species of South Africa obtain
much of theirs on the ground.
If it be essential, in order to carry out the plan of the Creator, that certain birds should be
provided with longer and more weighty tails than others of their congeners, it will also be
necessary that provision should be made to ensure them against injury or inconvenience from
such arrangement. We have indicated a provision in the instance under consideration in the
great development of the wing feathers, which can be necessary only to meet the increased
obstacles to the bird’s progressive motion through the air, created by the length and weight of
the tail. In almost' every bird in which the last-named organ is of great size, we find the
wings also much larger than in species with the same size of body and with short tails.
Another species of this genus, from North Africa, Lamprotornis longicauda, furnishes evidence of
the fact, and several of the Vidua of South Africa might also be instanced, as well as nume-
rous other birds of different countries.
The first specimens we observed were in lat. 25° South, and from thence the numbers gra-
dually increased as we advanced to the northward.
COSSYRHA HUMERAL IS .
(Aves. Plate -1-8.)
COSSIPHA HUMERALIS.— Smith.
Aves— Plate XLYIII Male.
C. capite supii, cervice, regione interscapulari, dorsoqne summo nigro-griseis, rufo-bmnneo-tinctis ;
dorso imo flavo-rufo, griseo-tincto ; uropygio, caudas tectricibus superionbus, rectncibusque versus
basin rufo-aurantiis, duabus intennediis, apicibusquc reliquorum rubro-brunncis j supcrciliis, teenio-
laque frontali albis ; capitis et cervicis lateribus, fasciaque pectorali interrupts mgns; fascia bumerah
alba ; snbtus alba posticS rufo-aurantio-tincta.
Loxgitddo ab apice rostri ad basin caudaa 3 unc. 1 1 3 lin. > caudas 3 unc. 2 lin.
Bessonoknis humeralis, Smith.* — Rep. of Exped. App. pp. 46, June 1836.
Colour.— The upper parts of the head and the neck, together with the
interscapulars and the anterior half of the back blackish grey, with a faint
tinge of reddish brown ; the rest of the back, gall-stone yellow, obscured by a
tint of grey. The rump, upper tail coverts, and the greater portion of the tail
clear deep orange, the two middle feathers of the latter and the tips of the
others deep reddish brown. Eye-brows white, and united anteriorly by means of
a narrow band of the same colour, which stretches across the forehead. The
sides of the head, including the eyes, the feathers at base of upper mandible
in front of the white band, the sides of the neck, and a curved blotch on each
side of breast, black. The chin, throat, and breast, pure white ; the belly
white, with a faint tinge of Dutch-orange; the flanks and under tail coverts
pale Dutch-orange ; the thighs greyish brown, pencilled with dusky white.
Lesser wing coverts black, several of those close to shoulders broadly tipped
with white ; the primary and secondary quill coverts brownish red, a few'
of the latter broadly edged externally with white, and form with the white
which variegates several of the lesser wing coverts an oblique white band on
the anteriorpart of the wing. Quill feathers brown grey, narrowly margined
externally with clear greyish white Bill liver-brown ; feet purplish brown ;
e‘ Figure slender ; bill nearly straight, triangular at the base,
* This bird is too strongly allied to Cossypha, as characterised by Vigors, to warrant my continuing to
view it as belonging to an independent group.
COSSIPHA HUMERALIS.
rather convex at the sides in front of nostrils ; hook of upper man-
dible and emargination slightly developed. Bristles at angle of mouth
short and scanty. Wings rounded, and when folded extend a little be-
yond the base of the tail ; the fourth and fifth quill feathers equal and
longest, the third and sixth equal and slightly shorter, the second and seventh
rather shorter than the sixth, the first about half the length of the second,
broad and regularly formed. Tail long and slightly rounded at the point ;
tarsi in front scutellated superiorly and interiorly, entire in the middle and
posteriorly. Outer and inner toes equal and considerably shorter than the
middle toe ; hinder toe nearly the same length as the lateral toes. Claws
pointed, and moderately curved ; the claws of the hinder toes longest and
strongest.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
Length from the point of the bill to
the tip of the tail 7 1^
of the bill from the gape 0 9
of the tail 3 2
of the wings when folded ... 3 3
Inches. Lines.
Length of the tarsus 1 0
of tbe outer toe 0 4
of the middle toe 0 6'J
of the hinder toe 0 3^
In size and colour the female is like the male.
The first specimen of this species was procured in lat. 26° South, and between that parallel
and the tropic of Capricorn we obtained many others. All the individuals seen were upon low
trees or high brushwood close to rivers, either at rest on the branches or actively seeking among
the foliage for insects, which constitute their food. When in motion they were frequently
observed to raise and depress the tail by jerks, after the manner of the MotacillcB, and occa-
sionally, though not often, to slightly spread and elevate the wings like the Saxicolce. They
shewed nothing of the shyness and vigilance of the latter, the approach of man appeared to give
them little uneasiness, and when a specimen was once seen, little precaution was necessary to
ensure its acquisition for our collection.
Though this bird differs in some of its habits from the one upon which Mr. Vigors constituted
the genus Cossypha, yet in others, as well as in its structure, it assimilates so nearly to it as
not to justify us in continuing to regard it as of a different group. Cossipha vocifera, Vig.,
frequents similar localities to our bird, and moves about among the branches of trees after the
same manner, but as far as we have observed it never jerks its tail or wings. The bird described
by Levaillant, under the name of Jan Frederic* ( Cossipha Pectoralis ), resembles strongly in its
habits C. humeralis; it occurs in similar situations, moves its tail in the same way, and in the
mode in which the colours are distributed there is considerable similitude. There is one mate-
rial difference, however, to be observed between them, C. pectoralis is more on the ground than
on trees or shrubs ; C. humeralis again is but rarely seen upon the ground.
* Oiseaux d’Afrique, Plate cxi.
?
E£TTHROPY G-IA PECT ORAL! S
(ATe-sEPla-te 4^9 )
ERYTHROPYGIA PECTORALIS.— Smith.
Aves. — Plate XLIX. — Male.
E. capite, cervice, interscapularibus dorsoque summo brunncis griseo-tinctis ; gutture, abdomineque flavo-
albis : pectore pallide isabellina brunneo-strigatis ; dorso imo, uropygio, caudseque tectricibus supe-
rioribus subferrugineis ; alarum tectricibus primariis secundariisque nigro-brunneis albo-marginatis,
lineam lougitudinalem albam fonnantibus ; remigibus brunneo-rubris extern^ versus basin pallide
rufo-marginatis. Cauda nigro-brunnea, plumarum apicibus albis.
Longitgdo capitis cum corpora, 3 unc. 1 1 lin. ; caudee 3 unc. li lin.
Erythropygia pectoralis, Smith. — Rep. of Exped. App. p. 46., Juno 1336.
Colour. — The upper surface of the head intermediate between yellowish
brown and brocoli brown ; the neck superiorly together with the interscapu-
lars, and the anterior half of the back yellowish brown, tinted with brocoli-
brown ; posterior half of back, rump, and upper tail coverts deep reddishorange.
Chin, middle of abdomen, and under tail coverts pale cream-yellow ; breast
light sienna-yellow, streaked with umber brown — -one streak along the centre
of each feather ; thighs cream-yellow externally spotted with umber brown ;
flanks dull reddish orange, shaded with light chesnut brown. Eye-brows
pale cream-yellow, each margined superiorly with a slender streak of umber-
brown ; feathers immediately in front of eyes, and a rudimentary line on each
side of throat, from base of lower mandible blackish brown ; ear coverts pale
rufous, clouded with brown. Primary and secondary quill coverts, and the
lesser wing coverts, liver brown, some of the last named feathers tipped with
white, the°others margined with rusty grey. A few of the innermost of the
primary quill coverts, and most of the secondaries are edged externally, and
partially tipped with white, so that each wing appears crossed obliquely by
two irregular white bands. Primary and secondary quill feathers brownish
red, with their outer vanes towards the quills narrowly edged with wood brown ;
tertiary quill feathers liver-brown, broadly margined with yellowish brown.
Tail liver-brown, the feathers rusty towards their edges, and white at the
points, the quantity of white greatest on the external feather of each side,
and least on the two middle ones, upon which it is almost invisible. Bill liver-
ERYTIIROPY GI A PECTORALIS.
brown ; the base of lower mandible yellowish ; legs light yellowish brown,
with a flesh coloured tint ; eyes clear Dutch-orange.
Form, &c. — Figure slender ; bill slightly curved ; the culmen blunt and
considerably arched, the degree of curvature in the latter greatest towards
the point ; the bill triangular towards base, compressed towards the point ;
the sides of mandibles slightly convex ; nostrils small, opening longitudinally
and near to the commissure ; emargination of upper mandible slightly indi-
cated. Wings rounded, short, and when folded reach a little beyond the base
of the tail ; the fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh quill feathers equal and
longest, the third slightly shorter, the second considerably shorter than the
third, and the first about half the length of the longest ones, and broad and
rounded at its point. The secondary and tertiary quill feathers but little
shorter than the primaries. Tail long and slightly rounded at the point, the
apices of the feathers broad and rounded ; tarsi moderately strong, faintly
scutellated anteriorly, entire posteriorly. Toes rather slender, the lateral
ones equal in length and considerably shorter than the middle one, rather
longer than the hinder one, the latter is the most robust. Claws slender,
pointed and moderately curved, the hinder claws strongest and longest.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
Length from the point of the bill to the
tip of the tail 6 3
of the bill from the gape 0 8 s
of the tail 3 l!
of the wings when folded 2
Inches. Lines,
Length of the tarsi 0 11
of the outer toe 0 3s
of the middle toe 0 6'i
of the hinder toe 0 3
In the female the colours are not quite so bright as in the male. The size
of both sexes is the same, and the colours are distributed after the same
pattern.
This and the species represented in the next Plate (L.) accord so perfectly in their habits,
organization, and configuration, that no doubt can exist as to their being of the same group;
but what that group may be is not so easily to be decided. In their manners and habits they
have a remarkable similitude to the Saxicolte, and their colours are distributed after a like
fashion. The form and character of their individual organs, however, exclude them from that
group. The bill, wings and tail are not those of Saxicolte, and the circumstance of their never
leaving trees and descending to the ground, also removes them from a genus the species of
which, in many respects, they strongly resemble. They jerk their wings after the same manner
as the Saxicolte, and they hunt for insects which constitute their food with the same activity.
'
mTTHaOPTG-IA. PAENA. (A.male.B.you^.)
(Arres.-PIa-Le 50)
ERYTHROPYGIA PAENA.— Smith.
Aves. — Plate L. — Male and Young.
E. capite supn\ obscure brunneo, plumis rufo-griseo marginatis ; cervice rufo-griseo ; intcrscapularibus
dorsoque summo flavo-rufis ; dorso imo, uropygio, caudee tectricibus superioribus, caudaque versus
basin rubro-aurantiis ; gutture albo ; pectore ventreque pallid^ lactifloribus, pectoris abdominisque
lateribus flavo-brunneo-tinctis ; remigibus brunneo-rubris, externe pallid^ flavo-brunneo-rnargiuatis ;
rectricibus versus apices nigro-brunneis, quatuor externis singulorum albo-terminatis ; superciliis lacti-
floribus. Rostro, nigro-brunneo ; pedibus livide griseo-brunneis.
Longitijdo ab apice rostri ad basin caudte 3 unc. 3 lin. ; caudce, 2 unc. 9 lin.
Erythropygia paena, Smith. — Rep. of Exped., App. p. 46., June, 1836.
Colour. — {Male, fig. a.) Head superiorly dull brown, the feathers distinctly
edged and tipped with rusty grey ; upper aspect of neck rusty grey ; inter-
scapulars and anterior half of back intermediate between Dutch-orange and
yellowish brown; hinder part of back, rump, upper tail coverts and the basal
two-tliirds of tail clear reddish orange, last third of tail feathers liver brown,
the edges of the feathers rusty, and the four outer ones of each side broadly
tipped with white; chin and throat white ; breast, belly, and vent pale cream-
yellow ; the sides of the breast and the flanks with a strong tint of rusty
yellowish brown. Lesser wing coverts pale greyish brown ; primary and
secondary quill coverts brownish red, the latter externally edged with pale
wood-brown. Quill feathers brownish red, delicately edged externally with
wood-brown, which on a few of the primaries, towards their bases, becomes
strongly tinted with buff-orange ; several of the secondaries are narrowly
tipped with white, the inner vanes of most of the quill feathers broadly edged
with yellowish white ; the inner surface of the shoulders pale cream-yellow.
Bill liver-brown ; eyes reddish brown ; legs livid greyish brown.
Form, &c.— Figure slight; bill rather slender, and slightly curved, the
culmen arched, from the base, the curvature rather abrupt towards the point ;
emargination near tip ot upper mandible, scarcely visible , nasal fossce deep.
Wings short, rounded, and when folded reach over nearly the first third of the
tail, the third, fourth, and fifth quill feathers of the same length and the
ERYTIIROPYGIA PAENA.
longest, the second and eighth equal in length, and about four lines shorter,
the first about half the length of the longest ones, narrow, particularly towards
the point. Tail moderately rounded : tarsi slender, faintly scutellated an-
teriorly, entire posteriorly ; toes of moderate strength, the middle one con-
siderably longer than the other three ; claws slightly curved and pointed,
those of the hinder toes longest and strongest.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
Length from the point of the bill to
the tip of the tail 6 0
of the bill from the gape 0 9
of the -wings when folded 2 9
of the tail 2 9
Inches. Lines
Length of the tarsus 1 0
of the outer toe 0 4
of the inner toe 0 6
of the middle toe 0 4|
of the hinder toe 0 3
The colours of the female are the same as those of the male, only not quite
so clear. The young bird (fig. b*) is highly variegated : the feathers of the
head, neck, back, and rump are dull cream-yellow, tipped with dark brown ;
those of the under parts, pale cream-yellow, tipped with reddish brown.
The habits and configuration of this species, as has already been observed, agrees with those
of j E, pectoralis ; like it, the present inhabits arid districts thinly covered with dwarf trees,
among the branches of which it seeks its food. Its movements, while flitting from branch to
branch, are rapid, and when resting or hunting for insects it is constantly watchful, always
ready to take alarm and to retreat when its haunt has once been discovered. On such occa-
sions, however, it rarely flies far before it alights, and if not under the influence of fear, it
seldom passes the tree nearest to that it has abandoned. In its disposition to view every object
with distrust, and to watch carefully whatever attracts its attention, it resembles in a marked
manner the Saxicolce.
* The specimen figured had acquired much of the plumage of an adult bird, hence the colours of youth
are but imperfectly represented.
PRO CELL ARIA. GLACIAL OLDE S .
fAv.es_Pla.te5L)
• •
PROCELLARIA GLACIALOIDES. — Smith.
Aves. — Plate LI. (Male.)
P. supra cineracea, subtus alba; capite cerviceque albis, flavo-cinerco-tinctis; remiglum primarium
tcctricibus, remigibus primariis secondariisque externe brunneo-xubris, interne ultimis duabus albis .
caudi pallide cinerescente ; corporis lateribus antice ct postick griseo-coeruleo-tinctis. Rostro supra
purpureo-cseruleo, infra subcarneo; mandibularum apicibus livido-mgris. Pedibus livido-griseis.
Oculis rubro-brunneis.
Longitcdo a rostri apice ad basin caudae 13 unc. (i liu. ; caudse 5 nnc. -3 lin.
Colour, &c. — The head and the hack and sides of the neck white, with a dis-
tinct tinge of yellowish grey, very faint towards the base of the bill ; the inter-
scapulars, rump, upper tail coverts, lesser wing coverts, secondary quill
coverts, and scapulars, ash-grey, tinged with yellowish grey ; under parts pure
white; the flanks anteriorly and posteriorly clouded with pearl-grey. The
outer vanes of the primary quill coverts and quill feathers, together with the
inner vanes of the latter near their tips, brownish red ; the outer vanes of the
secondary quill feathers white towards the base, brownish red towards the
point, the inner vanes of these and of the primary quill feathers, except the
portion already particularized, pure white; the inner vanes of the primary
quill coverts pearl-grey. Tail feathers pale ash-grey, changing into white on
the inner vanes. All the feathers exhibit a faint satin-lustre. Upper mandible
from base to hook dull lavender-purple, slightly tinged with lake red, base
of hook greenish white, tips of both mandibles livid black, the remainder of
the lower mandible a pale flesh colour. Legs and toes livid grey ; webs
lighter, with a flesh coloured tint. Eyes deep reddish brown.
°Form, &c.— Figure moderately robust, and more rounded than that of the
smaller species of the genus. Head considerably elevated above the bill,
and superiorly rounded ; bill strong, somewhat subcylindrical towaids the
base, compressed near and at the point. The nasal tube depressed, and the
septum, which divides it interiorly into two canals, does not quite reach to its
anterior extremity, hence the actual opening is entire ; the hook of the man-
PROCELLARIA GLACIALOIDES.
dible is strongly arched and pointed, and its superior edge near its commence-
ment projects slightly above the culmen ; the latter is flat and separated
from the lateral portion of the mandible on each side by a distinct
longitudinal groove ; the cutting edge of the lower mandible arched at the
point, but the point itself is not prolonged downwards below the lower
edge of the bill, in which respect it differs from several of the smaller
species, though not materially from some of them. Tarsi robust, and coated
with small flat scales, which are partly angular and partly rounded ; the
latter are the smallest, and chiefly disposed posteriorly. Anterior toes
strong, each terminated by a long, slender, and slightly curved claw ; a
short, strong, and somewhat cylindrical claw in the place of the hinder toe ;
the anterior margin of web between outer and middle toe nearly truncate,
between the middle and inner oblique. Wing long, and when folded extends
about half an inch beyond the point of the tail ; the outer wing feather the
longest, and exceeds in length the second by nearly half an inch. Tail
rounded, the outermost feather of each side fully an inch shorter than the
middle ones.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
Length from the tip of the bill to
the point of the tail J8 9
of the bill from the gape 2 0
of the wings when folded 12 4
of the tail 5 3
Inches. Lines
Length of the tarsus 1 n
of the outer toe 2 1
of the middle toe 1 lit
of the inner toe 1 7^
of the hinder toe 0
The colours of the plumage in the female are similar to those of the male.
In many respects this species has a strong resemblance to Procellaria glacialis of authors,
but the greater length of its bill supplies an efficient diagnostic character by which it is to be
distinguished. Had the bill merely been longer, I should have hesitated before I considered it
distinct, as the degree of development of an organ is not to be made available as a specific
character. The length of the bill, however, is not only greater, but the thickness is also
different, being inferior to that of P. glacialis, and neither are ever otherwise in any individual
of the Cape species.
While the smaller Petrils almost constantly resort to the open sea, this species often hunts
for its food in the neighbourhood of the South African coasts, and even frequently enters the
bays, apparently for the same purpose. It flies higher above the surface of the water than the
smaller species, rests more frequently, and seems well disposed to feed upon dead animal matter
when such can he obtained.
PROCELLARIA MACROPTERA.— Smith.
Aves. — Plate LII.
P. obscure rubro-brunnea ; rostro nigro ; pedibus brunncis.
Longitcdo ab apice rostri ad basin caudae 1 1 unc. 6 lin. ; caudae 6 unc.
Colour. — The whole plumage intermediate between brownish red and
liver-brown ; several of the scapulars and interscapulars narrowly tipped with
yellowish brown. The feathers of the head, neck, and body silvery white
towards their base, with a satin lustre. Bill rich black. Tarsi, toes, and
interdigital membranes liver-brown, the two first tinted with lake-red.
Form, &c. — Figure moderately stout, and not quite so rounded as that of
the last species. Head of moderate size, and slightly tapering towards the
vertex ; bill robust, and strongly compressed, particularly towards the point,
the sides of the upper mandible slightly convex, and distinctly separated on
each side from the culmen, by a deep longitudinal groove, which commences
at the anterior extremity of the nasal tube, and terminates at the commissure
about opposite to the point where the edge of the lower mandible begins to curve
downwards. The hook of the upper mandible forms fully half the length of
the bill, its base being within a small distance of the termination of the nasal
tube ; it is much curved, and its point descends considerably below the lower
mandible ; posteriorly its upper edge projects above the level of the nasal
tube ; the latter is rounded superiorly, or somewhat bluntly carinated, and
anteriorly presents only a single opening. The lower mandible is marked on
each side with a distinct longitudinal groove, which commences at its base,
and terminates where the cutting edge begins to curve downwards ; the
point of the mandible is acute, and slightly prolonged. Tarsi moderately
robust, and covered with small, flat, irregular shaped scales ; toes rather slen-
der; interdigital membraneslarge, and their anterior edges superiorly delicately
plaited. Claws slightly curved and pointed ; a slender somewhat cylindrical
claw in the place of the hinder toe. Wings long, and exceed by an inch and
PROCELLARIA MACROPTERA.
a half the length of the tail ; the first quill feathers the longest. Tail rounded,
the two centre feathers about an inch longer than the outermost one of
each side.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
Length from the point of the bill to
the tip of the tail 17 0
of the bill from the gape 1 9
of the wings when folded 13 9
of the tail 6 0
Length of the tarsus
of the outer toe
of the middle toe
of the inner toe. .
of the hinder toe
Nothing is known of the colours of the other sex.
Inches. Lines.
1 6
1 11
1 II
I 7
0 3
This is a rare bird on the Cape Seas ; therefore it is probable the favourite habitat of the
species is farther to the southward. While on the wing it keeps near to the surface of the water
like Procellaria Turtur, &c.
When I first examined the specimen which has afforded the foregoing description, I was
disposed to regard it as an example of Procellaria grisea, Gmel., but on further examin-
ation, such doubts arose as led me to resolve on considering it distinct. 1 he published
descriptions of most of the species of the group are so vague and deficient in diagnostic charac-
ters, that it will be found necessary, for the good of science, that almost all of them be uncere-
moniously rejected, unless the originals which supplied the descriptions should be re-described.
Colours are not calculated to furnish good diagnostic characters in this group ; these must be
drawn from the form of the bill, &c., and from the measurements of the different parts of the
bird. The following appear to be well authenticated species, and the published descriptions
are sufficiently precise to enable the naturalist to refer any bird which he possesses belonging
to them to its proper species.
Procellaria gigantea, Lin.
cequinoctialis, Lin.
Capensis, Lin.
puffinus et cinerea, Lin.
glacialis, Lin.
glacialoides, Smith
macroptera, Smith
Anglorum, Temm.
Turtur, Forst.
Forsteri, Smith
obscura, Gmel.
hasitata, Temm. PI. col. 416.
Bulweri, Jardine and Selby
Cape, and Southern Seas.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Northern Seas.
Cape, and Southern Seas.
Do.
British Seas.
Cape, and Southern Seas.
Do.
Northern Seas.
Indian Seas.
Indian Seas.
PRO CELL ARIA TORS TER1I
(Aves_T?la,te 53.)
PROCELLARIA FORSTERI.— Smith.
Aves. — Plate LIII. — Male.
P. supra cinerea flavo-griseo-tincta ; capite superne, nuclia, alarum tectricibus minoribus, remigium
tectricibus primariis sordid^ subbrunneis; remigibus quatuor extends extern^ brunneis interne
albis; fronte, capitis lateribus, superciliis partibusque inferioribus albis, tribus prioribus plus minusve
brunneo punctatis ; torque dimidiata ante alas cinerescente ; remigium scapis brunneo-rubris. Cauda
cinerescente, pluma externa singulorum subalba, rcliquis albo-terminatis. Itostro brunneo, versus
apicem fusco, mandibula inferiore flavo-brunnea-notata ; pedibus flavo-brunneis. Oculis nigro-
brunneis.
Longitudo ab apice rostri ad basin caudse 6 unc. 7 lin. ; caudse 3 unc. 10 lin.
Colour, &c. — The upper part of the head, and the nape of the neck inter-
mediate between broccoli-brown and pearl-grev, the remainder of the neck
superiorly, the interscapulars, the back, the rump, the upper tail coverts, a
half collar on the breast in front of the wings, and the secondary quill coverts
pearl-grey, slightly tinted with yellowish grey ; the rump and upper tail
coverts lightest. The lesser wing coverts, the outer vanes of the primary wing
coverts, and of the four or five first quill feathers, the same colour as the
head, only distinctly tinged with grey ; the inner vanes of the latter towards
the shafts the same colour, only lighter, — the colour quickly fades into pure
wrhite ; the other quill feathers yellow ashy grey, fading towards the edges of
the inner vanes and tips into white ; the shafts brownish red. Scapulars
grey, darkened by a distinct tint of broccoli-brown, several of them finely
tipped with white. Tail pearl-grey, with a faint shade of yellowish-grey, the
tips of all the feathers, as well as their inner edges, white ; and immediately
behind the white tips there is a distinct tint of broccoli-brown ; in some, per-
haps in most, individuals, the lateral feather of each side is dull white, with
a freckling of grey towards its shaft. Forehead, space in front of eyes,
eyebrows, sides of head, and under parts white ; the three first named more
or less speckled with broccoli-brown. The upper mandible towards the base
deep reddish brown, the nasal tube and the rest of the mandible liver-brown ;
the tip of the lower mandible liver-brown, its sides towards the commissure
reddish brown, inferiorly yellowish brown. Legs and toes yellowish brown,
the scales reddish brown ; webs light wood-brown, with a lilac tint. Eyes
blackish brown.
Form, &c. Figure full ; head elevated and of moderate size ; neck thick ;
bill rather slender, with the sides nearly vertical, the division between the latter
PROCELL ARIA FORSTERI.
and the culmen distinct, and formed on each side by a longitudinal groove.
The culmen flattened and below the level of both the hook of the man-
dible and the nasal tube, the hook strongly curved and sharp pointed ;
the nasal tube contracted posteriorly, bulged anteriorly, and terminated
by two nostrils which are separated from each other by a distinct sep-
tum ; the lower mandible acute at the point, and strongly curved down-
wards. Tarsi moderately strong, and covered with small, flat, irregular
shaped scales ; anterior toes slender, webs large, claws delicate and slightly
curved ; a short obtuse claw in the place of the hinder toe. Wings long, and
when folded extend fully an inch beyond the tip of the tail ; the first and
second feathers longest, and nearly of equal length ; the third, fourth, fifth,
and sixth successively shorter. Tail slightly rounded, the two centre feathers
about half an inch longer than the outermost one of each side.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
Length from the point of the bill to the
tip of the tail 10 5
of the bill from the gape 1 3
of the wings when folded 8 6
of the tail 3 10
Length of the tarsus —
of the outer toe .
of the middle toe
of the inner toe .
of tho hinder toe.
The colours of the female are similar to those of the male.
Inches. Lines.
. 1 3
1 3
. 1 3i
. 1 I
. 0 1
As far as I have been able to discover, there is nothing in the habits of this bird by which
it is to be recognized from various other small species which occur in common with it upon the
Cape seas. It is to be seen more or less remote from both the southern and western coasts of
South Africa, and it even visits occasionally some of its bays, but never continues in the latter
beyond a very limited time. The open sea seems its favourite resort, and there it is to be seen
skimming along close to the surface of the water, as well in the storm as in the serenest
weather, and picking up its food apparently with as much ease and in as great abundance
during the raging of the gale as in the stillness of the calm. It often keeps company with
ships for a great distance, and though it never approaches them so closely as the stormy petrels
( Thalassidroma), yet the course it takes and the changes it makes according to the direction
the ship pursues, show that its object is to keep company with the latter, though it cannot,
from the shyness of its nature, benefit in any way by the presence of its fellow-traveller, more
especially as it generally keeps either slightly in advance of the vessel, or off one of her sides.
When it discovers an object suited for its food, of a size such as is to be seized and swallowed
while on the wing, it is seen merely to plunge into the water, and then proceed ; but when
the size renders that inconvenient, it rests and floats for the necessary time, and then by the
rapidity of its flight makes up the lost ground, and takes up one of the positions above men-
tioned. Hours and hours it passes after this manner, and appears as free from exhaustion
when it parts company, as when it joins a vessel.
PRO CELL ARIA TURTUR
(Ares-PLate 54)
*
PROCELLARIA TURTUR.— Forst.
Aves.— Plate LIV.— Female.
P. cinereo casrulesceus, subtus alba ; regione ante oculos, superciliis, palpebrisque inferioribus albis ,
alarum tectricibus minoribus, scapularium apicibus, remigium tectricibus primariis, remigium
quatuor pogoniis extemis, caudeeque apice sordido-brunneo-rubris ; cauda versus basin cinerea. Rostro
nigro-viride, niandibula superiore ad apicem flavo-brunnea, inferiore livido-alba. Pedibus brunneo-
rubris. Oculis nigro-brunneis.
Longitudo ab apice rostri ad basin caudse 6 unc. 9 bn. ; cauda1 4 unc.
Colour. — The upper surface of the head dull pearl-grey, the feathers to-
wards their points tinged with light brownish red, which is also the coloui ol
their shafts. The back and sides of neck, the interscapulars, back, rump,
upper tail coverts, scapulars, and the half collar on breast in front of wings
between clear blueish and pearl-grey. Spaces in front of eyes, eyebrows,
a stripe behind each eye, and the under parts of the neck and body clear
white ; the flanks and under tail-coverts pale lilac-purple. The lesser wing
coverts, the scapulars towai’ds their points, the primary quill feathers, the
outer vanes of the four external quill feather, with their tips, and about the
last third of the eight middle feathers brownish red, deadened with grey;
the colour of the lesser wing coverts and scapulars of the two sides forms a dark
bar somewhat in the shape of the letter V upon the back when the wings are
folded. The secondary quill coverts, the primary quill feathers, save those
already described, the whole of the outermost feather on each side of the tail,
nearly all the second, and the first two-thirds of the rest dark ash-grey ; the
inner vanes of the four external quill feathers dull pearl grey, fading toward
the inner edges into white, which is also the colour of the edges of the inner
vanes of the other quill feathers. Behind each eye a narrow longitudinal
stripe of lilac-purple, and the feathers immediately under the lower eyelid,
which is white, and those in front of the eye are of the same colour, only a
shade lighter. The upper mandible towards the base livid blackish green,
the hooked portion, and the edge of the mandible dull yellowish brown ; the
tip of the lower mandible dull livid white, elsewhere coloured as the upper
PROCELLARIA TURTUR.
towards its base. Legs and toes, in preserved specimens, light brownish
red, the webs between the toes a pale flesh-colour, with small brownish red
variegations towards the toes ; claws dark brownish red, each marked superiorly
towards its base with a narrow longitudinal yellowish brown stripe. Eyes
blackish brown.
Form, &c. — Figure moderately robust, head and neck rather small ; bill
stout, particularly towards the base, the hook of the upper mandible rather
robust and moderately arched, the curvature less than in P. Forsteri ; the
cutting edge of the under mandible slightly arched towards the tip, and the
latter, which is acute, is slightly inclined downwards ; nasal tube short,
depressed and terminated by two nostrils, separated by a visible septum.
Tarsi rather slender, and clothed with small, flat, irregularly shaped scales ;
anterior toes moderate, and the place of the hinder one occupied by a short
pointed claw. Webs broad, the anterior margin of that between the outer and
middle toe slightly oblique ; in the one between the middle and inner toes,
the obliquity is greater; claws short, slender, slightly curved and pointed.
The wings when folded reach to the tip of the tail, the first and second quill
feathers nearly of equal length and longest. Tail much rounded, the two
middle feathers being about an inch longer than the outer one of each side.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
Length from the tip of the bill to the
point of the tail 10 9
of the bill from the gape 1 2
of the wings when folded 7 6
of the tail 4 0
Inches. Lines.
Length of the tarsus 1 i|
of the outer toe l 4
of the middle toe 1 4
of the inner toe J 1
of the hinder toe 0 1
The colours of the male are the same, only rather brighter.
This species is less bulky than P. Forsteri, and is readily distinguished from it, not
only by marked differences of the bill, but also by its tail being more rounded, and very
differently marked at the point. The bill of P. Forsteri is longer and narrower than that of
the species just described, and the hook of its upper mandible is much more compressed and
more curved : the relative length of the wings is also different in the two species in question, in
P. Forsteri, when folded, they exceed the point of the tail by at least an inch ; in P. Turtur,
again, they only reach the extremity of the centre tail feather.
The observations we have made in regard to P. Forsteri will equally apply to this species,
which is an inhabitant of the same seas, where it observes the same practices, and apparently
feeds upon the same kind of food.
r
P AC HYP TIL A BANKS II
(Av& s-P Ia.te 55)
PACHYPTILA BANKSI.— Smith.
Aves. — Plate LV. (Female.)
P supra grisea ; capite superne, cervicc, interscapularibusque brunneo-tinctis ; alarum tectricibus minori-
bus apicibusque scapularlum brunneo-rubris ; cauda grisea, flavo-griseo-tinctd, plumarum apicibus
sordid^ brunneis. Fascia purpurea brunneo-rubro-tincta trans oculum, pectorisque lateribus nitide
griseis ; infra alba. Oculis brunneis. Rostro li vide; brunneo, versus apicem superne viride-albo-
nebulato. Pedibus brunnoo-rubris.
Longtttoo ab apice rostri ad basin caudee G unc. 3 lin. ; caudee 3 uuc. 9 lin.
Colour. — The upper surface of the head and the back of the neck dark
pearl-grey obscured with brown, the latter darkest on the head ; the sides of
the neck, behind the ears, and a half collar on the breast, in front of the
wings, intermediate between blueish and pearl-grey. Eyebrows, and the
space between the eyes, and the base of the bill white, the latter sparingly
mottled with dusky points ; the sides of the head, before and below the eyes,
together with a band, in continuation of the latter, which extends to nearly
half an inch beyond the ear coverts, dark lavender-purple, tinged with
brownish red. The interscapulars, scapulars, and back, dirty pearl-grey, the
first distinctly tinted with brown, the last strongly glossed with lavender-
purple. The lesser wing coverts, and the tips of the scapulars dull brownish
red, mellowed with grey, and each feather distinctly margined with the same
colour. The primary quill coverts light brownish red ; the outer vanes of
the secondaries, and their inner vanes at the tips, pearl-grey, tinted with
brown, the remainder of the inner vanes grey-white, with a satin gloss. The
outer vanes and points of the first four primary quill feathers dull chocolate-
brown, margined with pearl-grey, the inner vanes close to the shafts, a pale
tint of the same colour, more internally yellowish white, the rest of the quill
feathers dull pearl-grey, each internally margined with white, the outer vanes
and more especially the points of the feathers tinted with brown. Tail
feathers pearl-grey, more or less tinged with yellowish grey, the edges of the
inner vanes lightest ; the points of the feathers chocolate-brown, which colour
is only appreciable, or at least distinct, on the two external ones of each side
immediately after the bird has moulted. Chin, sides of neck inferiorly, throat,
breast, belly, vent, and under tail coverts clear white. Bill livid brown,
towards tip clouded with dirty greenish white. Legs and toes light brownish
red; webs yellowish brown. Eyes deep brown.
Form, &c. Figure rather full, head of moderate size. Bill broad at the
base, narrow and slender near and at the point; the upper mandible is
strongly hooked, the margin of the lower anteriorly, distinctly arched, and
the point of the mandible, which is acute, is curved downwards. Nasal tube
depressed and anteriorly terminated by two nostrils ; culmen obtuse and
depressed below the level both of the nasal tube and the base of the hook
PACHYPTILA BANKSI.
which terminates the mandible : the lateral portions of the bill are separated
from the culmen by a deep longitudinal grove on each side, expand con-
siderably, particularly towards the angles of the mouth, and internally the
cutting edge of each is armed with a row of very fine, closely set membranous
laminae, disposed in a transverse direction. Tarsi rather slender, and
coated with irregular flat scales ; feet rather large, the anterior margin of the
web belonging to the outer and middle toes semicircular, that of the middle
and inner ones very oblique, a form necessary on account of the inferior length of
the latter toe ; anterior claws slender and moderately curved, the posterior one
straight, short, and pointed, and supplies the place of the hinder toe. Wings
long, and when folded reach nearly to the apex of the tail ; the first quill feather
longest, the second slightly shorter, several of the others diminish in length
successively, but in a greater ratio. Tail rounded, the two centre feathers
being nearly an inch longer than the outermost one of each side.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
Length from the point of the bill to
the tip of the tail 10 0
of the bill from the angle of
the mouth 1 4^
of the wings when folded 7 9
of the tail 3 .9
Inches. Lines.
Length of the tarsus 1 4^
of the outer toe 1 3
of the middle toe 1 3
of the inner toe 1 1
of the hinder toe 0 II
Judging from an imperfect specimen of a male bird of this species, which
I once saw I am inclined to believe the colours are the same in both
sexes.
I his species is easily to be distinguished from Pachyptila vittata Illiger, Procellaria vittata
and ccerulea, Forst., P. Forsteri, Lath., by a variety of characters, but most readily by its bill :
the latter in our species is much narrower, and the sides less oblique ; the width at the base
is only seven lines, the width of P. Forsteri nine and a half ; the sides of the bill in the latter
proceed more horizontally, and the bill itself is altogether much larger, and differently shaped;
the circumstance of many of the scapulars of P. vittata being broadly tipped with white, also
furnishes a good diagnostic character.
This bird appears to prefer the open sea to the vicinity of coasts, and though it occasionally
appears in the bays of the Cape peninsula during very stormy weather, yet it rarely continues in or
near them after the tempest which may have induced it to seek for the time a comparatively
placid retreat has subsided. It is constantly to be seen from vessels sailing along
the eastern coast, particularly during the winter season ; and it has often been a source
of amusement to me to watch how long and how perseveringly an individual of this species
would accompany a ship, even during blowing weather, without the appearance of having any
object in view, or of suffering any fatigue or inconvenience. It is rarely observed to settle on
the water, and if it does, it rarely continues passive longer than appears to be necessary to
enable it to seize and devour what may have induced it to rest.
The peculiar arrangement of the dull brownish-red colour, mentioned in the description of
the colours of the bird, gives to it when flying an appearance of having the wings and body
crossed by a dark coloured band.
PUPPINUS CINEREUS. (young)
(Aves.-Pla.'te 56)
PUFFINU8 CINEREUS.— Lin.
Aves.— Plate LYI.
P, supra fusca, flavo-brunneo-tincta, infra cinerco-brunnea ; remigibus, rectricibus caudseque tectricibus
inferioribus brunneis. Rostro livido-brunneo, adapicem flavo brunneo. 1’ arsis antice flavo-brunneis
postice externeque brunneo- rubris : oculis brunneis.
Longitudo a rostri apice ad basin caudce 13 unc. 2 lin. ; caudaj 3 unc. 10 lin.
Peocellaria puffinfs et cinerea, Lin.
Colour. — Above dull amber-brown, faintly tinged with yellowish brown,
the scapular and interscapular feathers narrowly tipped with dull wood-
brown ; the tail and quill feathers deep umber brown ; chin and throat dull
rusty grey, tinged with lilac-purple ; breast, belly, and vent broccoli-brown >
tinted with wood-brown, and the breast has besides a lilac-purple gloss ;
flanks posteriorly strongly shaded with brown ; under tail coverts dull umber-
brown. Bill at the tip yellowish brown, elsewhere liver-brown. Eyes dark
brown. The posterior and outer sides of the tarsi, in the preserved specimen,
dark brownish red, the anterior edges yellow, the inner sides yellowish brown;
the outer toe brownish red, the middle and inner yellowish brown ; the inter-
digital membranes ochre-yellow, slightly deadened with brownish red; claws
yellowish brown, except the tips, which are liver brown.
Form, &c. — Figure moderately" robust ; body rounded. Head slightly
compressed, and superiorly arched. Bill slender and subcylindrical, the
sides slightly flattened; nasal tube raised above the level of the culmen, broad,
depressed, and terminated anteriorly by two nostrils, which are separated by
a broad septum, with a slope towards the culmen, the corneous part of the
common tube superiorly not united ; culmen broad, slightly round and sepa-
rated on each side from the lateral parts of the bill by a longitudinal furrow,
which terminates at the commissure nearly opposite where the cutting edges
of the lower mandible begin to curve downwards ; the hook of upper mandible
compressed and moderately arched from the base, its apical poition perpen-
dicular and accuminated. The lower mandible curved downwards at the
PUFFINUS CINEREUS.
point so as to correspond with the upper, its apex slender and acute, no
prominent angle behind apex inferiorly. Tarsi somewhat compressed, and
coated with moderately large polygonal scales. Toes, superiorly, covered
partly with irregular shaped scales, and partly with transverse scutes : the
interdigital membranes near the toes coated with irregular sized scales, those
along the inside of outer toe largest ; claws pointed and slightly curved, the
hinder one somewhat triangular, and placed upon the tarsus. Wings long, and
when folded extend nearly an inch and a half beyond the tail, first quill
feather longest. Tail rounded, the two middle feathers nearly three quarters
of an inch longer than the external one of each side.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
Length from the point of the bill to
the tip of the tail 17 0
of the bill from the angle of
the mouth......,.., 2 0
of the wings when folded 11 9
of the tail 3 10
Inches. Lines.
Length of the tarsus 2 1
of the outer toe 2 0A
of the middle toe 1 1 13
of the inner toe 1 7s
of the hinder claw 0 2J
The colours of the other sex are not known.
I hesitated long before I came to the determination to regard this bird as the young of Pro-
cellaria puffinus, especially as Temminck, whose knowledge must be held in great respect by
every naturalist, makes the young “ peut-etre cCun an” as very differently coloured from what it
must be considered, if our conclusion be correct. His bird of the first year will, if we are not
in error, be one of the second year, and Plate 962 of the “ Planches enluminees” will be the repre-
sentation of a specimen which has attained its second plumage. Specimens in the garb we have
described are common on the Cape seas, and generally seen in company with others, which are
doubtless genuine examples of P. cinerea ; and one of the latter which we possess has tended
more than any thing else to satisfy me that the bird just described is the young of the species,
as in it the middle of the belly and flanks retain the immature plumage, though elsewhere the
feathers have acquired the colours of the adult bird. There are persons who consider it super-
fluous to represent the young of a species when the adult has been figured, but we disclaim
such a belief ; we consider information concerning the aspects under which a species appears to
be as essential for the naturalist as the knowledge of new species : indeed, until more attention
be paid to that, we shall have among the species introduced from day to day many which
will be found to be only specimens of known species in particular stages.
A.
CINNYRIS VERROXI.— Smith.
Aves. — Plate LYII. — Male and Female.
C. supra griseo-brunneus capitis ; cervicis, dorsi summi, liumerorumque plumis ad apicem, viridibus.
Longitudo, 5 unc. 11 lin.
Cinnyris Yerroxi, Smith, South African Quarterly Journal, No. 5, page 13, 1831.
Colour. — Male. — Above intermediate between clove and brocoli-brown, the
feathers of the head, upper and lateral parts of the neck, interscapulars and
shoulders at the tips, dark bluish-green, with a strong metallic lustre. Quill
feathers and tail purplish-brown, the tail darkest, the outer vanes of the quill
feathers lightest. Under parts yellowish-grey, the yellow clearest upon the
belly ; axillary tufts pale brilliant scarlet, with a silky gloss. Bill, legs, and
claws liver-brown.
Form, &c. — Typical. Bill moderately arched. Wings when folded reach
beyond the first half of the tail ; third, fourth, and fifth feathers equal and
longest, second and sixth rather shorter, first rudimentary. Tail slightly
rounded at the point. Tarsi moderately robust, anteriorly scutellated, pos-
teriorly entire ; toes slender, the hinder one thickest ; claws much curved,
those of the hinder toes strongest.
DIMENSIONS.
Length from the point of the bill to
In.
Lines.
the tip of the tail
5
11
of the bill from the gape
1
34
of the wings when folded
2
6
of the tail
2
3
In. Lines.
Length of the tarsus 0 8|
of the middle toe 0 5
of the inner toe 0 3^
of the outer toe 0 3|
of the hinder toe 0 3
Female. Above brocoli-brown, the back tinged with green ; under surface
of neck and breast brownish-grey, faintly tinged with green ; belly, vent, and
CINNYRIS YERROXI.
under tail coverts yellowish-grey, tinged with green, particularly the flanks ;
no axillary tufts : the colours of the other parts similar to those of the male.
Only a very few specimens of this bird have yet been found in South Africa, and none, as
far as I know, within the limits of the Cape Colony. Kafirland, and the country eastward
of it, towards Port Natal, furnished the specimens we possess. Like the other species of the
group, it feeds upon small insects, and these it collects partly from the branches and leaves of
brushwood and dwarf trees, and partly from flowers.
The birds of the genus Cinnyris have generally been regarded as feeding upon the saccharine
juices which exist in flowers, but as far as my experience goes, I should be inclined to consider
them as giving a preference to insects. In those I examined, I found the bulk of the contents of
the stomach to be insects, though at the same time each contained more or less of a saccharine
juice. The acquisition of a certain portion of the latter is not easily to be avoided, con-
sidering the manner in which they insert their bills into flowers, but the consumption of insects
of a size such as I have found in their stomachs, might easily be obviated, provided these were
not agreeable to their palates, and not actually a description of food which they by choice
selected.
In the same country in which we found this bird we discovered another species of the genus,
Cinnyris, which appears to us yet undescribed, and which we shall hereafter figure under the
name of Cinnyris olivaceus. The colour of this species, above, is intermediate between grass
and olive-green, the head being strongly tinged with blue ; below, it is light yellowish-green,
with an orange tint on the throat, and on each axilla there is a small tuft of brilliant yellow
feathers. Length, from the base of the bill to the point of the tail, five inches ; length of the
bill, one inch, three lines.
4
CIRCUS 'MAUR U S . Young.
(AreS-Pla-te 58.)
CIRCUS MAURUS.— Temm.
Aves. — Plate LYIII. — Young Female.
C. supra brunneo-ruber, plumarum plurimis subrufo-marginatis, infra rufo-albus brunneo-strigatus, nucba
albo brunneoque variegate; remigibus externe griseis, interne versus basin albis brunneo-maculatis,
versus apiccm brunneo-rubris ; cauda nigro-brunnea, fasciis quatuor subgriseis notata, plumarum
apicibus rufo-albis. Oculis flavis. Rostro nigro-brunneo ; pedibus flavis.
Circus Lalandi, Smith. — South African Quarterly Journal, vol. i. page 383. 1830.
Colour. — The upper surface of head blackish brown, the feathers of vertex
broadly margined with rufous ; nuchal feathers white, variegated with brown,
the latter colour in oval blotches, one reaching the tip of each feather ; the
rest of the upper parts reddish brown with most of the feathers broadly tipped
with a colour intermediate between sienna and cream-yellow ; upper tail
coverts white. The sides of head white, tinged with sienna yellow, and deli-
cately streaked longitudinally with brown ; chin white, the shaft of each
feather brown. The rest of the under parts between ochre and. sienna-yellow,
the breast and anterior part of belly nearly white ; the throat, anterior part
of breast, flanks and outer surface of legs blotched with brownish red. The
cervical collar behind the ear coverts deep brownish red, elsewhere of the
same colour as the throat. Tail feathers white at their base, then brownish
red the latter colour being crossed by three transverse light coloured bars,
which on the middle feathers are smoke-grey with a satin-lustre, on the late-
ral feathers white with a sienna yellow tint, the tips of all the feathers of the
latter colour ; the outer vanes of quill feathers hoary grey, the inner vanes
towards base white, imperfectly barred with brown, towards points liver-
brown. Bill blackish brown, the base of lower mandible yellowish. Legs
and toes yellow ; claws the same colour as bill. Eyes yellow.*
* Adult.— Upper tail coverts white; the outer vanes of the primary and secondary quill coverts as
also of the quill feathers rusty lavender-purple, the inner vanes towards quills white, towards tips blackish
brown. Tail blackish brown, with four rusty smoke-grey bands, the tip of each feather the same colour ;
the whole of the remaining plumage a uniform blackish brown.
CIRCUS MAURUS.
Form. — Typical. Cervical collar moderately prominent. Bill much hooked ;
nostrils rounded and coated with rigid bristles. Wings long, and when folded
reach to the last third of the tail, the third and fourth quill feathers equal
and longest, the second and fifth equal and about three-fourths of an inch
shorter than the fifth, the first about two inches and a half shorter than the
second. Tarsi long and strong, anteriorly scutellated, on the sides covered
nith small polygonal scales, and behind by two rows of irregular plates.
The outer toe connected to the middle one at the base by a distinct semicircular
web. Claws much curved and pointed.
DIMENSIONS.
In.
Lines.
In.
Lines.
Length from the point of the bill to
Length of the tarsus
2
9
the tip of the tail
23
0
of the outer toe
0
11|
of the bill from the angle of the
of the middle toe
1
4
mouth
1
4
of the inner toe
0
9
of the wings when folded
14
6
of the hinder toe
0
n
of the tail
12
0
The male of like age is ma
ked with
similar colours.
The bird, of which the foregoing is a description, was killed in the month of January, the
last of the summer months in South Africa. The species occurs along both coasts of the
colony, and the greatest number of specimens are observed in the vicinity of marshes or inland
lakes. When they are seen they are generally flying languidly along near the surface of the
ground or over the bush by which the country may be coated, and from time to time suddenly
descending to the earth as if to capture some prey. When they are successful in accomplish-
ing this, they either immediately rise with it in their talons, be it a mouse, frog, lizard,
or bird ; or else, which is their more common practice, rest on the spot where the seizure is
effected, until they have consumed whatever may be the article of food ; on that being com-
pleted, they take again to the wing, and continue their circuit after the manner already
described. This species generally constructs its nest in marshy situations, and places it either
on the ground or low among the reeds which generally occur in such localities. It lays three
or four eggs.
t
TRI COPHORUS 7LAY1VENTR1S.
(ivves- Plate 5Q>)
TRICOPHORUS FLAYTVENTRIS.— Smith.
Aves. — Plate LIX.
T. supra subolivaceus, subtus flavescens ; abdomine flavo.
Longitudine ab apice rostri ad basin caudse 4 unc. 1 0 lin. ; candee 4 unc. 2 lin.
Tricoi-horus flaviventris, Smith. — South African Quarterly Journal, New
Series, vol. i. page 143 ; 1834.
Colour. — The top and the sides of the head, the back and the sides of the
neck, the interscapulars, the back, the shoulder coverts, the outer vanes of
the quill feathers, and the tail feathers brownish green or rather a colour
intermediate between oil-green and yellowish brown, darkest on the head,
the yellowish brown is most conspicuous on the tail ; the inner vanes of the
quill feathers chocolate-red, each edged towards its base with straw-yellow.
The chin and throat sulphur yellow ; breast a muddy wine-yellow ; belly,
vent, and under tail coverts between lemon and king’s-yellow. Bill at base
livid brownish red ; towards tip pale brocoli-brown. Eyes dark brown.
Legs and toes brownish red.
Form, &c.— Figure moderately slender. Bill rather short and strongly
compressed in front of the nostrils, the edges of both mandibles slightly bent
inwards, the tip of the upper mandible faintly hooked, and behind the hook
a slight notch. Nostrils subovate, situated close to the base of the mandible,
and margined superiorly with a delicate membranous expansion, a few long
and strong bristles near the angles of the mouth ; nape with a few setaceous
bristles, which are prolonged considerably beyond the feathers. Wings short
and rounded, the primaries but little longer than the secondaries; the fourth,
fifth and sixth quill feathers equal and longest, the third and seventh rather
shorter, the second and eighth a little shorter and about the length of the
secondaries, the first about half the length of the second. Tail long and
slightly rounded. Legs rather short and slender ; tarsi anteriorly scutellated,
posteriorly entire. Toes slender, the hinder toe the strongest ; claws short,
slender, pointed, and strongly curved.
TRICOPIIORUS FLAVIVENTRIS.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
Length from the point of the bill to
the tip of the tail 9 0
of the bill from the angle of the
mouth 0 11
of the wings when folded 4 0
of the tail 4 2
Inches. Lines.
Length of the tarsus 0 10£
of the outer toe 0 4^
of the middle toe 0 7
of the inner toe 0 4^
of the hinder toe 0 5
This bird is entirely confined to thickets, and I have never observed it leave them, nor
even resort to the ground they covered in quest of food. It moves with activity among the
branches of the brushwood or trees in which it resides, and while so occupied, appears to
be in search of insects. It is extremely shy, and if discovered in situations where the foliage
is scanty, it immediately retreats towards some spot with a denser covering ; in that it re-
mains perfectly inactive until the object which excited its fears retires from its neighbourhood.
Specimens are readily to be obtained in the vicinity of Port Natal, and in the districts to the
East of it; but I never myself saw any to the Westward of that place, nor have I ever heard
of any having been found there by others. It is the only species which has yet been dis-
covered in Southern Africa.
COSSYPHA N AT ALEN S I S
(Axe s_Plate 60()
COSSYPHA NATALENSIS. — Smith.
Aves. — Plate LX. — Male.
C. capite, cerviceque aurantio-brunneis, aurantio-tinctis ; dorsi summo, humerisquo purpureo-coeruleis ;
dorsi imo, rectric'ibus duabus intermediis, dimidioque rectricis extern® exceptis, partibusque mferion-
bus rubro-aurantiis ; rectricibus intermediis, dimidio rectricis extern*, remigibnsque brunneis, bis
extern© coeruleo-griseo-inargiiiatis ; oculis brunneis.
Longitudo ab apice rostri ad basin caudse 4 unc. 3 lin. ; caud* 3 unc. 3 lm.
Colour.— The upper parts of the head and neck orange-coloured brown
tinted with gall-stone-yellow, the latter clearest upon the neck ; the inter-
scapulars, scapulars, back and lesser wing coverts bright lavender-purple
variegated with gall-stone-yellow, many of the feathers, particularly the inter-
scapular ones, being of that colour towards the base of their inner vanes.
The posterior part of the back, tbe rump, the upper tad coverts, the inner
vane of the outermost tail feather of each side, and the four next to it inter-
mediate between gall-stone-yellow and deep reddish orange. The front,
eyebrows, space before eyes, sides of head and all the under parts bright
gall-stone- yellow, the belly and vent lightest. The primary and secondary
quill coverts, the primary and secondary quill feathers, the outer vane of the
outermost tail feather of each side and the two middle ones light chocolate-
red ; the primary quill coverts and quill feathers, with the exception of the
two’ outermost and three innermost of the latter, distinctly margined exter-
nally with lavender-purple, the last mentioned three and a few of the secon-
dary quill coverts are edged and tipt with light gall-stone-yellow, and each
of the latter has a spot of the same colour but of a brighter hue at its point*
Bill brownish red, darkest at the base. Legs and toes a flesh-colour tinged
with brown. Eyes dark brown.
Form, &c.— Figure rather slender. Bill nearly straight, the upper man-
* Owincr to this circumstance we are disposed to regard this as an immature bird, and as the feathers
of the head and neck are at their base of the same colour as the interscapular feathers, we are inclined to
believe that the head, neck, and back will be found to be of one uniform tint, when the bird shall be
obtained with the adult plumage.
COSSYPHA NATALENSIS.
dible slightly notched near the tip, its sides convex, the culmen obtuse but
distinct ; the apex of lower mandible recurved within the sides of the upper
one. Wings short and rounded, the fourth quill feathers the longest, the
third and fifth equal and slightly shorter, the second and seventh equal and
half an inch shorter, the first about half the length of the fifth. Tail slightly
rounded. Tarsi long and moderately strong, distinctly scutellated anteriorly
towards the toes ; the outer, inner and hinder toes nearly of equal length,
the latter thickest. Claws long, slender, pointed, and moderately curved.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
Length from the point of the bill to
the tip of the tail 7 6
of the bill from the angle of the
mouth o 8J
of the wings when folded 3 6
of the tail 3 3
The colours of the female not known
Inches. Lines.
Length of the tarsi 1 2^
of the outer toe 0 4£
of the middle toe 0 7
of the inner toe 0 4|
of the hinder toe 0 4
The specimen, which has furnished us with the characters of this species, was procured in the
neighbourhood of Port Natal, and as only it was obtained, though the woods were well hunted
by my party, I am disposed to consider the species as rare even in that district. It was shot
close to the edge of an extensive forest, and the natives, who saw it after it was killed, gave us
to understand it was a shy bird, and that though it often sought its food upon the ground, it
was more generally observed upon trees. Its food consists of insects, and, from our infor-
mants, we learned it to have many of the habits of Cossipha vocifera, a bird not uncommon
within the limits of the Cape Colony. Like the latter it frequently descends to the ground
under or about its retreat, and there feeds with activity until disturbed, when it instantly be-
takes itself to some tree, upon which it remains at rest until the object which causes the alarm
shall have passed away.
V A LI S. A-dul\
PYRENESTES FRONTALIS. — Swainson.
Aves. — Plates LXI. and LXII.
Avis adulta. P. fronte alba ; capite, cervice pectoreque antice aurantio-brunneis ; dorso, alis, caudaque
nigro-brunneis ; rectricibus ad basin albis, speculum album formantibus ; pectore postice abdomineque
brunneo-griseis ; rostro ad basin nigro-brunneo, antice flavo-griseo, suboclireo-umbrato ; oculis
brunneis ; pedibus brunneo-rubris.
Longutudo ab apice rostri ad basin caudee 4 unc. 4 lin. ; caudse 3 unc.
Avis jun. — Supra obscure aurantio-brunneus, plumis flavo- brunneis marginatis ; subtus albus, brunneo-
strigatus ; rectricibus concoloribus ; rostro aurantio ad basin et apicem mgro-brunneo-maculato.
Pyrrhula albifrons, Vigors. — Proceedings of the Zool. Soc. of London for 1830, p. 92.
Pyrenestes frohtalis, Swains. — Lardner’s Cyclopaedia, Birds, vol. ii. page 277.
Adult. — Plate LXI.
Colour. — The feathers on each side of the base of the upper mandible white ;
the rest of the head, the neck, the interscapulars and the anterior portion of
the breast rusty orange-coloured brown, the interscapulars tinged and fading
behind into black brown, which is the colour of the back and upper tail
coverts. The lesser wing-coverts, the quill-coverts, the quill-feathers, and the
tail blackish or umber-brown ; the wings with a white speculum formed by all
the quill-feathers being white at their base. The posterior portion of the breast,
the belly, and the under tail coverts dark brownish grey, obscurely tinted with
orange-coloured brown. The base of the upper mandible and the under sur-
face of the lower one livid blackish brown, the other portions dull yellowish
grey, clouded with cream-yellow. Legs and toes brownish red. Eyes dark
brown.
Form, &c.— Bill large, powerful, and conical, the culmen entering deeply
between the feathers of the forehead, broad and flattened superiorly, and
gradually curved to the point ; the sides of the bill are compressed, its apex
pointed, and the cutting margins of both mandibles slightly sinuated ; the
lower mandible with a rounded angle close to the angle of the mouth. Wings
rounded, and when folded they reach nearly to the commencement of the
second half of the tail ; the fourth and fifth quill-feathers equal and longest,
the third and sixth scarcely shorter, the second and sixth rather shorter, and
the first about one-third of the length of the fifth, and narrow. Tail slightly
rounded. Legs and toes robust, the tarsi distinctly scutellated in front;
claws strong and much curved and pointed.
PYRENESTES FRONTALIS.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
Length from the point of the bill to
the tip of the tail 7 4
of the bill from the angle of
the month 0 9
of the wings when folded 3 9
of the tail 3 0
Length of the tarsus . . .
of the outer toe
of the middle toe
of the inner toe .
of the hinder toe .
The colours of the other sex not known.
Inches. Lines.
i i*
0 5
0 9
0 6
0 5
{Bird of the Second year. Plate LXII a.)
Colour. — The front, the head, and the neck dull orange-coloured brown,
the feathers margined with yellowish brown ; the interscapulars, back, and
rump umber-brown, the feathers tipped with yellowish brown. The lesser
wing coverts, the quill coverts, and the quill and tail feathers dark liver-
brown, with light sienna-coloured tips, the base of wing feathers white. The
breast, belly, vent, and under tail coverts dirty chocolate-red, the feathers
edged and tipped with pale cream-yellow. Bill at base and tip liver-brown,
elsewhere pale orange-yellow. Legs and toes liver-brown.
( Young bird. Plate LXII b.)
Above dusky orange-coloured brown, the feathers narrowly margined with
pale yellowish brown ; below white, freely blotched with chocolate-red, the
blotches in the form of longitudinal stripes, one along the middle of each fea-
ther. Quill and tail feathers dirty brownish-red, the outer vanes faintly
edged with yellowish brown ; no white at the base of the quill feathers,
hence the white speculum, found in the adult, is absent. The tip of the
upper and the base of both mandibles livid liver-brown, elsewhere the bill is
nearly of a Dutch-orange colour.
This is the only species of the groupe which has yet been found in South Africa. Its bill is
very powerful, and is, with regard to size and strength, unapproached by any of the other
Fringillida of that country. Owing to the sides being moderately compressed, or at all
events, not so convex as in the larger-billed species of the tribe, it exhibits a peculiar descrip-
tion of culmen, being especially towards its base broad and perfectly flat ; this appearance it
presents for more than half its length, and anteriorly, is separated on each side from the lateral
parts of the bill by a well defined longitudinal groove, which originates on the inner side of the
anterior extremity of the nostrils.
Most of the Fringillidce of South Africa resort to localities which abound in brushwood or
dwarf trees. Pyrenestes frontalis, on the other hand, inhabits exclusively the forests, and
never condescends to visit but the largest trees, hence it is only very partially scattered over
the country. The only specimens which have been obtained within the limits of the Cape
Colony were discovered in the forests upon the eastern frontier. About Port Natal, however
the bird is not so rare, and specimens are readily to be obtained there at all seasons of the year
It feeds principally upon berries and small fruits.
P X RE N K S T E S F R 0 N T A L I S . (A.2*-.4 Year._B. Young.)
(Aveg_Plate 62,)
H A -L C Y o :n
SE GAli OJTXE S
(Aves-Plkte 63)
HALCYON SENEGALOIDES. — Smith.
Aves. — Plate LXIII. — Male.
H. capite fusco-griseo ; corpore supra coeruleo-beryllino, subtus albido ; remigibus tricoloratis, — coeruleo-
beryllino, alboque brunneo ; cauda dorsoque concoloribus ; rostro rubro ; pedibus purpureo-rubris.
Longitudo ab apice rostri ad basin caudtB 6 unc. 6 lin. ; caudal 2 unc. 1 0 lin.
Halcyon Senegaloides, Smith. — South African Quarterly Journal, second
series, vol. i. p. 143 ; 1834.
Colour. — The upper surface of the head and the back of the neck dusky
smoke-grey, tinted with dull verdigris-green ; the feathers of the top of the
head variegated with narrow, light, reddish brown bars. The interscapulars
verdigris-green, the colour changing in certain lights to light azure-blue ; the
back and a few of the feathers at the tips of the shoulders bright cobalt-blue.
The shoulders, lesser wing-coverts, and secondary quill-coverts velvet-black ;
the primary quill coverts greenish blue tipt with brownish red, the shafts and
a portion of each inner vane towards the quill the latter colour. The basal
half of the outer vane of each primary quill feather intermediate between ver-
digris-green and ultra-marine blue, the corresponding portions of inner vanes
white with a satin lustre, the last half of each feather deep liver-brown ; the
secondary and tertiary quill feathers exhibit the same colours, only the blue
occupies most if not all of the outer vanes, while the white exists only towards
the base of each inner vane, and the liver-brown towards the point. Tail
feathers greenish blue like the outer vanes of wing feathers, the shafts
brownish red. The chin, the throat, the belly, the vent, and the under tail
coverts reddish white, the breast and flanks greenish white finely freckled
with duskv-brown. The feathers between the eyes and the base of the bill
as well as the lower eyelids black, and between the nostril and the eye there
is a narrow whitish stripe, from the feathers in that situation being white to-
wards their base. Bill scarlet-red. Eyes dark brown. Legs, toes and claws
dull purplish red.
Form, &c.— Figure robust. Head large ; bill strong and quadrangular, the
upper mandible considerably longer than the lower, pointed at the tip, and
channelled internally. Nostrils small, suboval, and extending parallel to the
feathers at the base of the bill and nearly in contact with them. The feathers
in front of eyes scanty, short, and wiry. Wings short and rounded, the
HALCYON SENEGALOIDES.
third, fourth, and fifth quill feathers longest, and nearly of the same length,
the second and sixth slightly shorter, the first about half an inch shorter than
the longest. Tail square or in the slightest degree rounded. Legs and toes
slender, the inner and hinder toes about half as long as the middle toe, the
latter rather longer than the outer toe, to which it is closely united as far as the
second joint.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches.
Lines.
Inches.
Lines.
Length from the point of the bill to
Length of the tarsus
0
7
the tip of the tail
9
4
of the outer toe
0
8
of the bill from the angle of
of the middle toe
0
9
the mouth
2
6
of the inner toe
0
5
of the wings when folded
4
3
of the hinder toe
0
4J
of the tail
2
10
If ever it shall be satisfactorily established that locality is capable of modifying the colours or
size of animal beings, and of perpetuating those in all the individuals of the species within
a certain limit, then we shall find no difficulty in incorporating Halcycon Senegalensis ( Alcedo
Senegalensis, — Lin.) with the bird here described. Until it be shown, however, that climate has
that power, and until we are made acquainted with the groupes over which it possesses the in-
fluence, we are not disposed to admit the propriety of classing together any two beings which
are, as far as general appearances are concerned, very similar, yet which are constantly and
palpably different, in regard to certain points. We have, for instance, in Southern Africa, many
birds which are identically the same with others found in Sierra Leone, but in these we perceive
no marked differences, either in their colouring or proportions, that is, none greater than are found
to exist among the individuals of either locality viewed by themselves. In other cases, again, we
have birds in South Africa bearing a strong general resemblance to species which are inhabitants
of Western Africa, yet, at the same time presenting certain permanent peculiarities not essential
apparently either to the interests or well-being of the birds, and though trifling, they are never-
theless so manifest as to permit of their being made available characters for distinguishing the
birds of the one locality from those of the other.
The general resemblance between our bird and H. Senegalensis is striking ; the bill, how-
ever, of the former, is entirely red ; while, on the other hand, the lower mandible of the latter
is always black or brownish red ; the general colours of our bird are also much brighter; the
size of the South African bird is greater, that of the bill much greater.
Like the other known species of the groupe, II. Senegaloides, resorts to thickets, and feeds
upon insects, especially Crustacea and gryllce.
TEXT OH ERYTHRORHYKCHTJS .
TEXTOR ERYTHRORHYNCHUS.— Smith.
Aves. — Plate LXIV. (Male.)
T. brunneo-niger ; pectoris lateribus plus minusve albo variatis ; remigibus primariis versus basin albis ;
rostro flavo-rubro ; oculis rubro-aurantiis.
Longitudo corporis cum capite 5 unc. 4 lin. ; caudee 4 unc.
Bubalornis Niger, Smith, Rep. of Exped. App. page 52, 1836.
Colour. — The head, the upper and under parts of the body, the last half of
each primary quill feather, all the secondary quill feathers and the tail,
blackish-brown ; the first half of each primary quill feather white, and the
outer vanes of a few of those nearest to the secondaries margined with the
same colour almost to their points. Bill light yellowish-red, clouded with
shades of purple-red. Legs and toes yellowish brown, the former tinted with
yellowish red ; claws livid umber-brown. Eyes dark brown.
Form, &c. — Head rather small. Body robust. Bill strong, conical, and
pointed, very like that of a typical Ploceus ; the culmen slightly arched, and
entering between the feathers of forehead, flattened at base, anterior to
nostrils rounded ; nostrils nearly circular, and without membranous edging ;
the commissure of bill slightly waved. A few short rigid bristles at the angles
of the mouth. Wings rather short and rounded, when folded they reach to
nearly the commencement of the second-third of the tail, the first quill
feather is narrow, and about an inch and a half in length, the third, fourth,
and fifth are longest and nearly equal, the second and sixth equal and
slightly shorter than the fifth ; the secondary quill feathers about half an inch
shorter than the longest primaries. Tail rather long, and slightly rounded at
the point. Tarsi robust, distinctly scutellated anteriorly, entire behind ; toes
strong and rather short, the outer and inner ones nearly of equal length, and
a little shorter than the middle one, hinder toe stronger than the fore ones ;
claws strong, short, slightly curved, and blunt at the points.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
Length from the point of the bill to
the base of the tail 5 '■*
of the bill to the gape 0
of the wings when folded 4 6-1
of the tail 4 ®
Inches. Lines.
Length of the tarsus 1 2^
of the middle toe 0 9
of the outer toe 0 6
of the inner toe 0 5f
of the hinder toe 0 5
TEXTOR ERYTHRORHYNCHUS.
In the female the brown tint is more distinct than in the male ; in other
respect their colours are very similar. In young birds the general colour is a
dusky liver-brown, and the feathers of the breast and belly are in them
broadly margined with white. In adult specimens slight indications of such
‘white margins are often to be observed upon the feathers of the sides of the
breast and body.
It was not till after we had passed to the northward of the 25th degree of south latitude that
we discovered this bird ; and if we are to believe the natives, it rarely extends its flight farther
to the southward, which they attribute to the scarcity of Buffaloes south of that parallel.
Wherever it was discovered it was always in attendance upon herds of the animals just
mentioned, and either flying over the members of which the group was composed, or else
perched upon the back of some individual animal. While perched, it appeared, generally, to
be employed in collecting articles of food from the hide ; and while so occupied it passed
quickly from one part of the Buffaloe to another, without the latter appearing to bestow the
slightest attention upon its movements. On opening the stomachs of the specimens we
procured we found, what we had been led to expect, namely, that its food consisted in part at
least of parasitical insects ; and that to obtain them it selected the company in which, as has
already been remarked, we always found it. According to the evidence of the natives, it also
frequently alights upon the ground, examines the excrement of the Buffaloe, and from it
collects certain articles of food. Sometimes a number of individuals were observed associated
with a herd of the quadrupeds in question, frequently only one or two, and on many occasions
we encountered troops of Buffaloes without even one in attendance. This bird, besides
being of service to its huge associates, by ridding them of many of the insects with which their
skins are infested, also performs for them another valuable service. On observing any unusual
appearance in the neighbourhood, its attention is immediately directed to it ; and if alarm is
eventually excited the bird flies up, upon which all the buffaloes instantly raise their heads,
and endeavour to discover the cause which had led to the sudden departure of the sentinel.
If they are successful in the attempt, and see reason to fear for their own safety, they
take to flight in a body, and are accompanied by the birds who forewarned them of their
danger. On the herd again halting to feed, the birds return to their avocation, and pursue a
course similar to that we have just described, provided the like circumstances recur.
We never found this bird attaching itself to any quadruped but the Buffaloe, nor did we ever
find the latter with any other attendants, though we found in the country in which both
exist, two other birds in the habit of feeding upon parasitical animals, namely Buphaga
Africana and E 'rytlirorhyncha. These restricted their visits exclusively to the Rhinoceros.
6
PLOCEPASSER MAHALI. — Smith.*
Aves. — Plate LXV. — Male.
P fronte, capite supra, nuclia, taniolaque ab angulo oris ad cervicem nigro-brunneis ; cervice supra,
dorsoque pallide flavo-brunneis ; alls faciis duabus transversis flavo-albis notatis ; subtus albus,
pectore ventreque rufo-flavo-tinctis. Rostro pedibusque flavo-brunneis, brunneo-rubro umbratis.
Oculis profunde rubro-aurantiis.
Longitxjdo corporis cum capite, 4 unc. 2 lin. ; caudffi 2 unc. 6|- lin.
Colour. — The forehead, the top of the head, the nape, the lores, and a stripe
from the angles of the mouth to the top of the neck, liver-brown ; thesides of the
head and ear-coverts broccoli-brown, tinged with yellowish brown ; eyebrows
broad, and of a dusky white colour. The upper and lateral parts of the neck,
the interscapulars, the back, and the lesser wing-coverts intermediate between
broccoli and wood-brown ; the last row of the lesser wing-coverts are broadly
tipped with cream-yellow, and thus an oblique band of that tint is formed in
front of the quill coverts ; the primary and secondary quill-coverts are livid
umber-brown, and the latter is broadly tipped with pale cream-yellow,
forming a second oblique bar parallel with the one just described. The
primary and secondary quill-coverts are light liver-brown, the former nar-
rowly the latter broadly margined with rusty white ; the rump and upper
tail coverts yellowish white ; the tail-feathers liver-brown tipped and narrowly
edged externally with rusty white. The chin, the throat, the vent, the under
tail-coverts and the thighs dusky white ; the breast, the belly, and the flanks
dirty cream-yellow, inclining to pale wood-brown. Bill dull yellowish brown,
shaded with brownish red ; legs, toes, and claws the same colour. Eyes
deep brownish orange.
Form, &c. — Figure rather robust, and when the bird is perched, or moving
on the ground, it has much of the appearance of a Ploceus. Head rather
laro-e • bill conical, pointed, and slightly compressed at the sides ; the lower
mandible received between the cutting edges of the upper ; the culmen
slightly arched, and entering between the feathers of the forehead. Wings
moderately long, and rather rounded, the longest primaries about three-
quarters of an inch longer than the secondaries ; when closed they reach
rather beyond the first half of the tail ; the first quill feather rudimentary,
the second and third equal and longest, the fourth slightly shorter ; tail square
at the point, or very slightly forked. Tarsi and toes robust, the former with
* Plccepasser, Smith, June, 1836. Agrophilus, Swainson, 1837
PLOCEPASSER MAHALI.
distinct scuta in front, entire behind; the outer and inner toes of equal
length, the hinder one slightly shorter, but stronger, the middle one much the
longest. Claws of the front toes slightly curved and pointed ; those of the
hind ones with a greater curvature, and considerably stouter.
DIMENSIONS.
Inch. Lines.
Length from the point of the bill to the
tip of the tail 6 6J
of the bill from the gape 0 8^
of the wings when folded 4 1,}
of the tail 2
Inch. Lines.
Length of the tarsus 0 lOf
of the middle toe 0 7
of the outer toe 0 41
of the inner toe 0 4}
of the hinder toe 0 8|
The Female in respect of colours is very similar to the male.
On our first seeing this bird upon a tree on one of the tributary streams of the great
noithem branch of the Orange River, we found it a matter of difficulty even to surmise what
would be its position in our systems of ornithology. Its figure, viewed either when it was perched
on the tree, or resting upon the ground, had much resemblance to that of a Ploceus ; while its
colour, habits, & c., bespoke its close alliance to the Sparrows; and the discovery of a tree,
studded with their nests, tended to support the idea of such a double relationship. The nests as
far as figure and texture were concerned, had many of the characters of those of Ploceus ; while
from the manner in which they were armed they resembled those of some of the Pyrgita of
Southern Africa. The entire of the walls of each nest was composed of stalks of grass, the
thickest extremities of which were so placed as to protrude externally for several inches
beyond the more compact structure destined to contain the eggs. By this management each
nest appeared armed with numerous projecting spines, and bore considerable resemblance to
the body of a Porcupine, when its spines are partially erected. Several of the Pyrgita arm
their nests after the same fashion, only they select for the purpose the delicate twigs of shrubs
or brushwood, instead of stalks of grass : the object of both being the same, to offer an obstacle
to the advance of snakes towards the reservoir of their eggs and young ones. A solitary
specimen of Plocepasser is seldom seen ; it is a bird disposed to congregate, and we met with
small, and even occasionally with large flocks, as far north as the Tropic of Capricorn. The
disposition for society is also evinced during the breeding season, when oftentimes twenty or
thirty nests are to be seen upon one tree, and disposed as represented in the back ground of
the plate. It feeds upon seeds and small insects, and in search of these it passes much of its
time upon the ground. When disturbed while so employed, the whole of the individuals of
the flock move away in a body, and resort to some tree in the neighbourhood, upon which they
remain until they are satisfied that they may with safety return to their labours. This and
Ploceus superciliosus of Ruppell are the only species of the groupe yet known, and as Plocep-
asser was employed by me to designate the groupe more than twelve months before the term
Agrophilus was proposed by Swainson, the species must stand as
Plocepasser Mahali, Smith.
Plocepasser Superciliosus — Agrophilus superciliosus, Swainson.
Tng.'l .
/
PLOCEUS SP1LONOTUS. Yigl. Male.
PLOCEUS CAPENSIS Yig.Z. Male.
(Aves— Plat e 66.)
PLOCEUS SPILONOTUS.— Vigors.
Aves. — Plate LX VI. — Fig. 1. — Male.
P. capite supra, cervicis lateribus antice, corporeque subtus aurantio-flavis ; gula, jugulo, dorsoque
summo nigris, hoc flavo-maculato ; remigibus fuscis extern^ flavo-marginatis ; rectricibus olivaceis,
flavo-marginatis ; rostro nigro, brunneo-nebulato ; oculis rubris ; pedibus carneis, brunneo-tinctis.
Longitudo corporis cum capite 4 unc. 5 lin. ; caud® 2 unc. 7 lin.
Ploceus spilonotus. — Vigors, Proceedings of Zoological Society, p. 92, June, 1831.
Ploceus stictonotus. — Smith, South African Quarterly Journal, No. 5, p. 11, Oct. 1831.
Ploceus flaviceps. — Swainson, Birds of Western Africa, vol. viii. of Naturalist s Library, by Sir
William Jardine, p. 259. 1837.
Colour. — The upper parts of the head gamboge-yellow slightly glossed
with honey-yellow ; the sides of the head, the chin, and a narrow line
stretching from the latter to the breast, dark liver brown verging on black ;
the sides of the neck immediately behind the ear coverts, the breast, the
belly, the vent, and the under tail coverts light gamboge-yellow, the lateral
parts of the breast tinted with saffron-yellow. The lower part of the back
and sides of neck, the interscapulars, and the back, liver-brown, each
feather broadly tipt with lemon-yellow ; rump yellow, blotched with liver-
brown. Lesser wing coverts, primary and secondary quill coverts and quill
feathers light chocolate-brown, the primaries and their coverts edged
externally with king’s-yellow, the others tipt and edged on both vanes with
the same colour. Tail light greenish brown, the feathers faintly margined
externally with king’s-yellow, and internally with primrose-yellow. Bill
brownish black. Eyes deep vermilion-red. Feet flesh-coloured, tinted with
brown ; claws a pale horn-colour.
Form, &c. Typical. Figure rather robust. Head narrow ; bill long,
pointed, moderately thick, and nearly straight. Wings rounded, and when
folded reach to the commencement of the second third of the tail ; the first
PLOCEUS SPILONOTUS.
quill feather rudimentary, the third, fourth and fifth, longest and equal, the
second rather shorter than the third. Tail slightly rounded at the point.
Tarsi robust, in front scutellated, behind entire, the divisions between the
scuta strongly marked ; toes, particularly the hinder ones, large ; claws
strong, and much curved.
DIMENSIONS.
Inch. Lin.
Length from the point of the bill to the
tip of the tail 7 0
of the bill from the gape 0 II
of the tail 2 7
of the wings 3 6
Inch. Lin.
Length of the tarsus 1 1
of the outer toe 0 6
of the middle toe 0 8
of the inner toe 0 6
of the hinder toe 0 5
Nothing is known of the female.
This species inhabits the districts bordering upon the south-east coast; but I have not seen
nor heard of its having been found to the westward of Kafirland. Specimens are but rarely
discovered, and these are generally found upon the margins of rivers. From the trees
which overhang the waters they suspend their nests, which are of a somewhat kidney
form, and composed of blades of grass so closely interwoven, that they form a complete protec-
tion against the weather. The female lays three or four eggs, which are of a delicate greenish
blue colour, and about the size of those of the common sparrow — Pyrgita domestica.
It was not till after this bird had been figured in company with Ploceus Capensis, that we
recollected it had been represented by Swainson (Birds of Western Africa) under the name of
Ploceus flaviceps, and in such a manner as to render any second figure quite superfluous.
PLOCEUS CAPENSIS.— Smith.*
Aves. — Plate LXYI. — Fig. 2. — Male.
P . fronte, gutture, pectoreque aurantiis ; vcrticc, abdomincque flavis ; nucha, dorso, caudseque tcctri-
cibus superioribus subsulphurois ; cervice, regione interscapulari, humerisque viridi-flavis, brunneo-
umbratis ; alarum tectricibus remigibusque purpureo-branneis, externe flavo-marginatis ; cauda
olivaceo-brunneS, plumis extern^ flavo-marginatis ; rostro livido-brunneo ; oculis pallidh rubris ; pedi-
bus carneis.
Longitudo corporis cum capite 4J unc. ; caudas 2;' unc.
Ploceus abyssinicus. — Cuv. Lesson , Traite d’Ornitliologie, tom. i. p. 434, 1 830.
Ploceus capensis. — Smith , Proceedings of South African Institution, 1832.
Colour. — Front, chin, throat, and breast saffron-yellow; top of head, sides
of neck, belly and under tail coverts gamboge-yellow; nape, back, and upper
tail coverts intermediate between lemon and honey-yellow; back of neck,
interscapulars, and shoulders greenish yellow, faintly clouded with pale olive
brown — the middle of each feather being of the latter colour. Lesser wing
coverts, primary and secondary quill coverts, and the quill feathers dark
purplish brown, the outer vanes edged with sulphur- yellow, and the tips of
all, except the quill feathers, of the same colour. Tail above olive brown
tinted with yellow, beneath pale sulphur-yellow, the outer vanes of all the
feathers distinctly edged with greenish yellow. Bill livid brown. Eyes light
red. Feet and claws flesh-coloured.
Form. — Typical. Bill long, straight, conical, and pointed ; wings when
folded reach to the commencement of the last half of the tail, the first quill-
feather rudimentary, the second, third, and fourth equal and longest, the fifth
* This species stands labelled in the Museum of the Jardin des Plantes as Ploceus Abyssinicus, Cuv. ;
and by the same name it has also been indicated by Lesson. Under that name we also should have pub-
lished it, had not Loxia Abyssinica been referred to Ploceus, when the groupe was first established, and
consequently from that moment constituted, according to custom, the proper Ploceus abyssinicas. The
circumstance also of the species not being found in Abyssinia, likewise renders the name objectionable.
PLOCEUS CAPENSIS.
rather shorter. Tail slightly rounded at the point. Tarsi and toes very
strong; the former scutellated in front and entire behind. Claws, particularly
those of the middle and hinder toes, strong and much curved.
DIMENSIONS.
Length from the point of the bill to
Inches.
Lines.
Length of the tarsus
Inches.
1
Lines.
2
the tip of the tail
. 7
0
of the outer toe
0
H
Length of the bill from the gape
1
0
of the middle toe
0
9
of the wings when folded
. 3
6
of the inner toe
6
of the tail
. 2
6
of the hinder toe
0
The colours of the female are less brilliant, the front, top of the head,
and all the under parts being nearly of the same hue. In birds of the first
year the upper parts are intermediate between yellowish and greenish grey ;
the under parts inclined to primrose-yellow ; the bill is dull yellowish brown
and the feet and claws are of the same colour only brighter.
This species is generally diffused over the more southerly districts of South Africa, and
flocks of from ten to forty individuals are often to be seen on or near the edges of marshes
and rivers. From the trees or shrubs which fringe these, they suspend their nests, five or six
of which are sometimes attached to a single branch. They are formed of coarse grass, and
so substantially constructed that each requires some weeks for its completion. They are some-
what kindney-shaped, with the entrance towards the upper end, and directed downwards.
Trees which overhang pools of water are invariably preferred, and the twigs which approach
nearest to the water are commonly best supplied with nests. There can be no doubt, parental
affection dictates the choice. All the birds of South Africa are liable to have their nests
robbed by small quadrupeds and snakes, and as no position is so likely to secure them against
such misfortunes as those we have mentioned, they are, doubtless, selected under that con-
viction. During the breeding season, and for some months after the young are fully fledged,
each flock continues firmly attached to some chosen locality, and whenever its members are
driven from their feeding grounds, they invariably repair to the trees upon which the nests
are situated. During the remaining portion of the year they are less stationary, and though
they rarely remove from a district where they may have reared young, yet they extend over
it, without evincing a marked partiality for any individual spot.
I
i
OTUS CAPENS1S— Smith.
Aves.— Plate LXYII.-Male.
0 supra pallide rubro-bnmncus, subochreo parce yermiculatua et notatus ; pectore guttureque rubro-
brunneis- ventre flavo-albo ; lateribus plumisque feraoxis subfasciatis ; facie subflaya brunneo-
variata ; fascia cervicale rubro-brunnel ad guttur ocbreo-xuaculata ; oculis brunneo-mgns j rosins,
pedibus, unguibusque livido-nigris.
Longitudo a rostri apice ad basin caudec 8 unc. 8^ lin , caudae 0 unc. o3 bi .
Otiis Capensis. Smith. — South African Quarterly Journal, 2nd series, p.
Colour. — The upper and lateral parts of the head, the upper, lateral and
under parts of the neck, the interscapulars, the back, rump, and upper tail
coverts, the scapular feathers, the lesser wing coverts, and the breast, bg it
reddish brown (snuff-coloured brown), with sienna-yellow variegations. 1 ie
latter are either scanty or wanting upon the back and anterior part of t ie
breast, but tolerably abundant on the other parts mentioned, and occur in
the form of small oblong spots, zigzag, oblique or transverse lines, and
irregularly shaped blotches; — the latter are few in number, and restricted to
the small wing-coverts. Belly and legs pale ochrey yellow, the flanks and
the feathers on the outer and anterior aspects of the thighs barred with arrow -
shaped bands of a light brownish yellow colour. False wing-feathers brown,
imperfectly barred with sienna-yellow, and most of them margined externally
with yellowish white. Primary wing coverts brown, secondary coverts brown,
veriniculated and spotted with sienna-yellow. The primary and secondary
quill-feathers brown, with three or tour broad irregular bars of a colour
intermediate between buff-orange and gall-stone-yellow, the last bar at
a considerable distance from the points of the feathers, which are obscure
white • tertiary quill- feathers brown, the inner vanes barred with yellowish
white ’the tips dull white. Tail barred, brown and buff-orange, or yellowish
hite - the light-coloured bars of the inner vanes are generally buff-orange,
those ’of theater vanes yellowish white. The two middle tail-feathers
brown with two rudimentary or indistinct sienna-yellow bars ; their tips are
also of the latter colour. The other tail-feathers are yellowish white for some
distance from the points. Facial disc pale cream-yellow, powdered or
freckled with brown ; the bases of the feathers encircling the eyes deep
OTUS CAPENSIS.
blackish brown. Chin white; cervical collar dark brown, variegated where
it crosses the throat with small sienna-yellow spots. Egrets reddish brown,
vermiculated with sienna-yellow. Eyes blackish brown. Bill, toes, and
claws livid brownish black, or a deep horn-colour.
Form, &c. — Figure moderately slender. Head small and rounded ; facial
disc small, convex, and ill-defined ; the feathers of the disc rigid, wiry, and
decomposed, those at and below the inner canthus of the eye directed inwards
and forwards, so as to conceal the base of the bill ; egrets short and delicate,
recumbent, except when the bird is excited. Bill arched from the base,
compressed, and the mandible slender towards the point, the hook of the
upper one long and slender ; nostrils small and rounded ; cervical collar
rigid, broad at the throat and narrow at its extremities, which are situated
some way behind and rather above the level of the eyes. Wings long, and
when folded reach to nearly the tip of the tail, the second and third quill-
feathers equal and longest, the fourth rather shorter, the first and fifth equal,
and about an inch and a quarter shorter than the second ; — all the feathers
are very broad. Tail rather short and slightly rounded. Tarsi long, and
densely covered with short silky feathers. Toes short, moderately strong,
and coated with small somewhat circular scales and scattered bristles.
Claws long, slender, and slightly curved.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
Length from the point of the bill to
the tip of the tail 15 0
of the bill from the gape 1 1 1
of the wings when folded 11 0
of the tail 6 3|-
Inches. Lines.
Length of the tarsus 2 1^
of the outer toe o 7
of the middle toe 0 12
of the inner toe 0 9 J-
of the hinder toe 0 5i
Th a female is rather larger than the male: the colours are the same in both
sexes.
This is rather a rare bird in South Africa, and as far as I know, has never been found but in
marshy situations. It passes the day among the rushes, reeds, or long grass, and five or six
individuals are sometimes found congregated together. When disturbed, they fly only a short
distance before they attempt to conceal themselves again, and it is not before they have been
several times flushed in succession that they seek safety in a prolonged flight. They feed
upon mice, lizards, and water insects.
A
%
i
IAN ITJS S UB C ORONATUS .
(Are.s_Tla.te 6 8 .)
t
I
LANIUS SUBCORONATUS. — Smith.
Aves. — Plate LXYIII.
L. supra nigro-brunneus, griseo-tinctus, infra albus, pectore abdomineque roseo-tinctis ; plumis scapulatis
albis, fasciam obliquam albam formantibus ; crisso caudseque tectricibus superioribus cinereis ; fxonte
superciliisque flavo-albis.
Longittfdo a rostri apice ad basin caudte 4 uno ; caudae 4| unc.
Colour. — The top of the head, the upper and lateral parts of the neck, the
interscapular feathers, and the back, dark umber-brown, with a strong grey
gloss ; the rump and upper tail coverts dark ash-grey. Wings dark umber-
brown, the primary quill feathers and several of the secondaries white near
their base, and always some of them narrowly tipped with white. The
scapular feathers are pure white, and form a broad oblique band of that
colour on each side of the back at the base of the wing. The four middle
tail-feathers are liver-brown, the two next on each side liver-brown towards
the base, white towards the points, the remaining two of each side white
with liver-brown shafts. Throat white, breast and belly dusky white
with a rosy tint. The side of the head behind the eye is crossed with
a broad brownish black band which passes to the side of the neck ; the front
and eyebrows are yellowish white. Eyes dark brown. Bill livid brown, and
semi-diaphanous. Legs and toes blackish brown.
Form, &c. — Typical. Bill robust, and rather short, culmen towards frontal
feathers rather sharp, hook at apex of upper mandible moderately developed,
tooth small and acute. The wings rather long, and when folded reach over
the first fourth of the tail ; the fourth quill feather rather longest, the third and
fifth equal and slightly shorter, the second and sixth equal, and about half an
inch shorter than the fifth, the first about half the length of the second. Tail
long, narrow and much graduated, the two centre feathers rather the longest,
the°next on each side rather shorter, the other four successively shorter, the
outermost about two inches shorter than the two middle ones. Tarsi and toes
moderately robust, the former distinctly scutellated in fiont, entire behind.
The outer and inner toes of equal length, and rather shorter and less robust
LANIUS SUBCORONATUS.
than the hinder toe. Claws of anterior toes long, slender, and slightly
curved; the claw of hinder toe strong, and much curved.
DIMENSIONS.
Inch, Lines.
Length from the tip of the bill to the
point of the tail 8 6
of the bill from the gape
of the wings when folded . . .
of the tail 4 6
Length of the tarsus
of the outer toe
of the middle toe
of the inner toe
of the hinder toe
Inch. Lines.
The grey tint is stronger in the feynale than in the male, and the white is
less clear, being generally tinged with yellow.
The first specimen we obtained was killed near Latakoo, and many others were added to our
collection as we proceeded to the northward, although we never found the species common in
any of the districts we visited. When Lanius subcoronatus appeared, Lanius Collaris ceased
to be found, and we had every reason to believe that the former held, to the northward of
Latakoo, that place which the latter holds to the southward. We were familiar with L.
subcoronatus in its native haunts long before we were aware that it was an undescribed species.
We had always conceived it to be identical with Lanius Collaris , and it was not till one of our
hunters killed a specimen by accident that we were convinced of the contrary. When flying, as
well as when perched, the similarity of the two species is striking, and their manners and habits
are identically the same. Both pounce upon their prey with the same hawk-like spirit, and move
through the air with equal velocity ; both perch upon the summit of trees or shrubs, and there
watch their prey or their enemies, and both impale what objects they capture, and are not able
at the moment to consume, upon the long and powerful thorns of some favourite acacia tree
L. subcoronatus differs from L. Collaris, first, in having a smaller bill, the oilmen of which is
sharp, especially towards the frontal feathers ; secondly, in having the frontal feathers and eye-
brows white instead of black, as is the case in L. Collaris ; it is also rather a smaller bird.
AMADINA ERYTHROCEPHALA.— Smith.
Aves. — Plate LXIX.
A. supra fusco-cinerea, infra flavo-grisea rubro-tincta, et liic plumis ad apices fasciolis nigro-brunneis
et fasciis albis variegatis ; abdomine subalbido rufo-tincto ; capite gulaque in mare purpureo-coccineis ;
rectricibus, duabus raediis exceptis, ad apices albis.
Longitudo 5 unc. 6 lin.
Loxia Maculosa, Burchett. — Travels in South Africa, vol. ii. p. 269.
Colour. — Male. — The upper and lateral parts of the head, the nape and
the chin vermilion-red, — the front, sides of the head, and chin, strongly
tinted with arterial blood-red ; the upper and lateral parts of the neck, the
interscapulars, back, rump, and tail coverts brocoli-brown, — the two last-
named lightest, tipped with dirty white, and more or less regularly barred
with narrow lines of brownish-red. The throat and breast yellowish-grey,
brightened with a slight admixture of hyacinth-red, and barred with deep
liver-brown ; the bars are narrow, those on the throat very faint and
indistinct, those on the breast strongly marked and arched, the convexity being
backwards. On the breast the space between the last two brown bars of
each feather, one of which forms its tip, is orange-coloured white ; the belly
and flanks are dull hyacinth-red, barred and spotted with white like the
breast ; vent cream-yellow ; the under tail coverts brocoli-brown, broadly
tipped with cream-yellow, the colours separated by a narrow brown crescent.
The lesser wing coverts and the primary and secondary quill coverts inter-
mediate between brocoli-brown and yellowish-brown, several of the former, and
all the latter broadly tipped with cream-yellow and narrowly barred, in front of
the latter colour, with brown. The quill feathers are light brownish-red,
tipped and margined, externally, with light wood-brown ; the tail feathers the
same colour, and, except the two middle ones, each has a large white blotch
at the tip of its inner vane ; the outer vane of the outermost tail feathers of
each side is also white. Bill, dull yellowish-brown, the under mandible
lightest and of a pink hue. Eyes, deep reddish brown. Legs, a light
flesh colour.
Form, &c. — Figure rather robust ; head large, bill strong, short, and
pointed ; the commissure of the upper mandible is waved, and towards the
AMADINA ERYTIIROCEPHALA.
base of the bill angular, that of the lower is inverted ; space between eye and
angle of mouth nearly bare. Wings rounded and when folded cover the
first half of the tail ; the first quill feather is rudimentary, the third is the
longest, the second and fourth are equal and rather shorter than the third,
the fifth, sixth, and seventh, are successively shorter, — the difference between
each, as well as between the fifth and fourth, about a line and a half. Tail
graduated, the two centre feathers considerably the longest, and also the
most pointed. Legs short and moderately robust, anteriorly scutellated,
posteriorly entire ; toes strong, the middle one much the longest, the external
and internal ones nearly of equal length, the hinder toe short and powerful ;
the claws short and slightly curved.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
Length from the point of the bill to
the tip of the tail 5 6
Length of the bill 0 5
of the wings when folded ... 2 11
of the tail 2 3
Inches. Lines.
Length of the tarsus 0 7
of the outer toe 0 3
of the inner toe 0 3
of the middle toe 0 5^
of the hinder toe 0 2 b
Female.— With the exception of the head, the colours are like those of the
male, only lighter, and not so vivid ; the head in the female is of the same
colour as the back.
Young. — Colours similar to those of the female.
All the examples that we saw of this species occurred in the neighbourhood of Latakoo, and in
the situations in which we discovered them we invariably found numbers congregated together.
The individuals which composed the flocks were generally seen feeding upon the ground near
to the gardens of the natives, and when they were disturbed, they, according to circumstances,
either repaired to the hedges or shrubs in the immediate neighbourhood, or to some more distant
locality. While feeding or flying, they uttered harsh chirping sounds, and on no occasion any
thing like a musical note.
BUBO CAP EN SI S
(Ares Hate. 70")
BUBO CAPENSIS.— Smith.
Aves. — Plate LXX. (Young.)
B. supra brunnea maculis fasciisque subful vis varicgata ; infra brunnea fasciis subfulvis variegata ;
remigibus, tectricibusque remigium brunncis pallide fulvo-variegatis ; remigibus secoudariis externe,
tectricibusque annulis subfulvis notatis ; cauda brunnea pallide aurantio-fasciata ; macula cervicali
alba ; oculis aurantiis.
Longitudo ab rostri apice ad caudae extremitatem 22 unc. 8 bn.
Colour. — The upper parts umber-brown, variegated with spots and trans-
verse bars of a dark buff orange tint the variegations are in the form
of irregular spots upon the feathers of the head and shoulders, and of
spots and bars upon the other feathers ; the bars are situated towards the
base of the feathers, the spots towards the point, one generally on each vane,
and these separated from each other by the intervention ol a brown stripe
which extends longitudinally between them ; many of the feathers are also
tipped with yellowish white, or have an imperfect spot of that colour upon
each vane close to the apex. The variegations on the head and shoulders
are smaller and less profuse than on the other parts, and the ground colour
is rather darker. The quill coverts and quill feathers are umber-brown, the
outer vanes of the primary quill feathers varied with narrow, pale, buff bars,
which are freckled with brown, the inner vanes with broad bars of the same
colour, only of a darker and brighter tint, the bars of the vanes not directly
opposed to each other. The outer vanes of the secondary quill feathers, both
vanes of the tertiaries and the outer vanes of the larger, and both vanes of
the lesser quill coverts, marked with somewhat circular buff rings, inclosing a
spot of umber-brown ; the inner vanes of the secondary quill feathers and
of the primary quill coverts barred with yellowish white or pale buff-orange.
Tail feathers umber-brown barred with buff-orange, the bars of all the fea-
thers, excepting those of the outermost one of each side, mottled with brown;
the bars excepted nearly pure white tinted with buff-orange near the shaft;
all the tail feathers tipped with pale buff orange. Under parts umber-brown
variegated with bars and large subcircular spots varying in colour between
white and buff orange, the last form of variegations is produced by the
umber-brown extending along the course of the shafts, and connecting the
dark bars situated towards the tips of the feathers. Under tail-coverts yel-
lowish white with narrow brown bars, each with a point in the course of the
shaft extending towards the tip of the feather. The feathers of the legs and
toes ochrey yellow, those of the former freely variegated with small, arrow-
shaped, umber-brown spots. Guttural spot white ; cervical collar umber-
brown variegated with white spots ; facial disc yellowish brown pencilled
with umber-brown ; the wiry feathers coating the bill white at the base,
BUBO CAPENSIS.
umber-brown at the points. Bill dark livid brown ; claws a horn colour,
lightest towards base. Eyes bright orange yellow.
Form, &c.— Head moderately large ; facial disc complete, cervical collar
distinctly defined. Egrets nearly over and about an inch from the outer
corners of the eyes, the feathers composing them narrow and pointed. Body
bulky and densely covered with feathers and down. The wings, when
folded, reach to within an inch and a half of the tip of the tail, the third quill
feather in specimen the longest, the second and fourth equal and slightly
shorter, the first about an inch shorter than the second. The secondaries
about two-and-a-half inches shorter than the third primary quill feather.
Tail slightly rounded. Claws long, strong, arched, and pointed. Bill com-
pressed, curved from the base, and the upper mandible strongly hooked and
pointed.
DIMENSIONS.
Length from the point of the bill to
the tip of the tail
Length of the tail
bill to the angle of the
mouth
wings when folded
Colouring, &c. of the other sex not known.
In.
Lin.
In.
Lin.
Length of the tarsus
3
3
22
8
outer toe
1
1
9
0
middle toe
1
10
inner toe
1
5
1
6
hinder toe
0
10
15
0
Levaillant asserts that Strix Bubo is a native of Southern Africa,* and I was disposed, when
1 first obtained the owl just described, to regard it as a young individual of that species. On
being informed, however, by an able zoologist, who had seen an adult specimen, that it differed
materially as regarded its marking from the European bird, J came to the resolution of viewing
it as distinct, and concluded that Levaillant must, once at least, have fallen into an error.
Since my return to England, I have endeavoured, but without success, to obtain for com-
parison a specimen of Strix Bubo of the same age as the bird heie described. I shall there-
fore give the characters of one as drawn by Linnaeus, and leave it to the reader to decide
whether the differences between it and the Cape bird are not greater than are commonly found
to exist between two individuals of one species whose ages are to be inferred as nearly the
same. He says, “ the wings were dark, with reddish-brown spots ; feathers of the breast
brick-red, with a dark indented longitudinal stripe ; tail feathers still short, dark with roundish
red spots ; feet reddish brown.”+
Few specimens of this species have yet been procured, and none, as far as I know, at any great
distance from Cape Town. According to the statements of the Dutch settlers and the Hotten-
tots, single specimens are occasionally seen perched upon the tops of trees both about day-light
and dusk ; but from their being so vigilant and wary, they can rarely be approached so closely
as to be shot. They are said to feed upon moles, rats, mice, and small birds.
* Oisseaux d’Afrique, tom. i. page 160. pi. 40. + Yarrell’s British Birds, vol. i. p. 110.
ATHENE WOOD FOR. El
f.Aves- Plate 71)
ATHENE WOODFORDI. -Smith.
Aves. — Plate LXXI.
A. supra rubro-brunneus, maculis fasciisque albis notatus, infra pallide rubro-brunneus fasciis albis varie-
gatus ; cauda rubro-brunnta septcm octove fasciis pallide flavo-brunneis ; rostro pedibusque flavis ;
oculis aurantiis ; unguibus livido-brunncis.
Longitudo ab apice rostri ad can da: cxtremitatem 13 unc. 6 lin.
Noctda Woodfordi, Smith, South African Quarterly Journal.
Colour. — The top of the head, the upper and lateral parts of the neck and
the tail intermediate between umber and reddish brown ; the body above rich
reddish brown : the feathers of the head, neck, back, and tail coverts
variegated with white spots and with white and sienna-coloured bars ; gene-
rally only one white spot exists on each feather, which is situated towards the
apex, is of an irregular arrow-shape, and varies in size upon the different
parts of the body, being generally largest on the interscapulars and tail
coverts. The white or sienna- yellow bars are situated nearer to the quills
than the white spots, and are generally margined with brown of a deeper
shade than the ground colour; these dark margins are less distinct upon the
feathers of the head and neck than upon those of the back, &c. On the head
and neck there is, in general, only one bar to each feather, while on the
feathers of the other parts there are commonly two or three. Lesser quill
coverts of a colour intermediate between those of the head and back, and they
are variegated with a few white short lines or ochrey coloured spots. Primary
quill coverts yellowish brown, lightest towards the tips, which are faintly
barred with brown of a darker tint. Secondary quill coverts yellowish brown,
variegated with narrow, irregular, dark brown bars, and large white or yel-
lowish white blotches ; the tips of all white. Quill feathers barred brown
and yellowish brown, the brown bars of the outer vanes not directly opposite
those of the inner vanes ; some of the inner tertiaries yellowish brown barred
with brown. The feathers on the outer side of the eye dark reddish brown,
those coating the sides of the bill white at the base, umber-brown at the
points. Cervical collar white, the feathers crossed with several narrow
brown bars. The colour of the breast and belly, as the feathers lie smooth
upon the bird, appears to be pale reddish brown and white in alternate bars,
ATHENE WOODFOEDI.
but when a single feather is examined, white is found to be the predominant
colour, while the pale reddish exists only as a broad bar at the tip of each
feather : behind the tips the feathers are crossed by several narrow umber-
brown lines ; sides of abdomen and vent partly white and partly pale
buff-orange, the feathers being crossed by several narrow umber-brown
bars. Legs and tarsi sienna-yellow, variegated with short umber-brown
bars. Tail dull reddish brown, with seven or eight pale yellowish
brown bars, the last bar forming the tip of each feather. Bill deep straw-
yellow, greenish at the point. Eyes a deep and bright yellow. Toes dull
yellow ; claws wood-brown at base, elsewhere livid umber-brown.
Form, &c. — Head rather small ; facial disc distinct ; cervical collar mode-
rately developed and continuous, its feathers decomposed; the feathers coating
the sides of the bill long and wiry. The wings, when folded, reach some dis-
tance beyond the commencement of the last third of the tail ; the fourth quill-
feather the longest, the third slightly shorter, the second and fifth equal and
shorter than the third, the first rather shorter than the second. The tip of
the tail slightly rounded. Bill compressed towards tip and strongly hooked ;
nostrils large, open, and nearly circular. Tarsi covered with soft downy
feathers ; toes coated with small, somewhat granular scales ; claws slender,
moderately long, much arched, and pointed.
DIMENSIONS.
In. Lin.
Length from the point of the bill to the
tip of the tail 13 6
Length of the hill to the angle of the
mouth 1 1^
wings when folded 9 0
tail 6 0
In. Lin.
Length of the tarsi 1 9
outer toe 0 7
middle toe 0 10 £
inner toe 0 9J
hinder toe 0 3
The markings of the male are nearly the same in form as those of the
female, but the colours are rather brighter.
This owl occurs in various parts of the colony, and is generally discovered about the outskirts
of forests. It is by no means a common bird in South Africa, and specimens of it are but rarely
procured. It feeds upon small quadrupeds, birds, large insects, &c.
' s /
l.DRYMOICA SUBS TRIAT A
Z.DRYMOICA PALLIDA
( Ave s Plate72 .)
DRYMOICA SUBSTRIATA.— Smith *
Aves. — Plate LXXII.— Fig. 1. (Female.)
D. supra flavo-brunnea colore rubiginosa tincta; infra oehraeeo- alba; pectore striis brunneis variegate ,
remigibus brunneo-rubris pallide griseo-brunneo-marginatis ; rectricibus griseo-brunneis colore rubi-
ginosa lavatis ; rostro colore corneo ; tarsis, pedibus, unguibusque rubri-flavis.
Longitodo e rostri apice ad basin caudce 2 unc. 8 lin. ; can dee 3 unc.
Colour.— The top of the head, the sides of the neck and the shoulders light
broccoli-brown ; the back of the head, the upper parts of the neck, the
interscapulars, back, and tail coverts a uniform rusty yellowish brown.
Sides of head and ear-coverts pale wood-brown, the latter faintly streaked
with dull umber-brown ; eyebrows white, prolonged behind the eyes. Chin,
throat, centre of breast, and belly, ochrey white, the breast variegated with
several narrow, longitudinal, umber-brown stripes, one along the centie of
each feather ; flanks and vent light yellowish brown. Primary and secondary
quill coverts, and the quill feathers, pale brownish red, faintly margined with
wood-brown ; some of the inner secondaries and the tertiaries broadly
margined with yellowish brown. Tail a rusty broccoli-brown, the middle
feathers darkest. Bill a dark horn-colour ; legs, toes, and claws pale buff-
orange, the latter brown at the points.
Form, &c. — Figure slender and lengthened. Bill slender and nearly
straight, the culmen slightly arched, particularly towards the point ; it is
triangular at the base, and compressed towards the tip: nostrils small,
* Having carefully compared all the species of this genus which I possess, with the species described
and represented by Levaillant, (Oiseaux d’Afrique,) I am not able to satisfy myself of the identity of
more than one of mine, the “ Pine Pine;' plate 131 ; hence I have preferred figuring all the species which
1 possess rather than incur the risk of including two species under one name. The species I have figured
as Drymoica ruficapilla is, I suspect, identical with Le Rousse Tete, Levaillant, plate 124, but the
rest I am disposed to regard as specifically different from any described by him. 1 am sometimes disposed
to believe that the renowned traveller, whom no one can respect and honour more than I do, has
occasionally from accident, probably through an intermixture of specimens, considered birds as natives of
South Africa which belong to other countries ; and it is only by presuming such to have happened, that I
can account for my never having been able to procure or hear of various species which Levaillant affirms
are found in it.
DRYMOICA SUBSTRIATA.
situated in a concavity near the base of the upper mandible, and above mem-
branous. Wings rounded, and when folded reach beyond the first third of the
tail; the fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth, quill feathers nearly equal
and longest, the third rather shorter, the second considerably shorter than the
third, and the first rather more than half the length of the second ; the
secondary and tertiary quill feathers nearly as long as the primaries. Tail
long and much graduated, the feathers slightly decomposed, the two middle
ones longest. Tarsi robust, anteriorly scutellated, posteriorly entire ; toes
long and slender, the outer and middle ones united near the base, the hinder
toe longest ; claws rather short, slender, and slightly curved, the claw of the
hinder toe longest.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
Length from the point of the bill to
the tip of the tail 5 S
of the bill to the angle of the
mouth 0 7
of the wings when folded ... 2 1^
of the tail 3 0
Inches, Lines.
Length of the tarsus 0 1 0,j
of the outer toe 0 3f
of the middle toe 0 5
of the inner toe 0 31
of the hinder toe 0 3
Male. — The male is not known to me.
So far as my experience goes this is a rare bird in Southern Africa, and the only individuals
which I have met were on the banks of the Oliphant’s River, about one hundred miles to the
north of Cape Town. It is generally found in thickets composed of high brushwood or dwarf
trees, in which it is seen flitting rapidly from branch to branch, apparently in quest of insects,
which constitute its food. When so employed it carries its tail rather above the line of the
back, and when it fancies it is perceived it generally remains tranquil for a time; but as soon
as all danger is supposed to be past, from no act of aggression being committed by the
individual who intrudes upon its retreat, it again betakes itself to search for food, and so
continues till it disappears in some distant part of the thicket.
DRYMOICA PALLIDA.— Smith.
Aves. — Plate LXXII. Fig. 2.
D. supra pallide griseo-brunnea, flavo-brunnco lavata ; gula, gutture, pectoreque sordide albis; abdomine
subflavo ; remigibus sordide griseo-brunneis, externe flavo-brunneo marginatis ; rostro colore corneo ;
pedibus flavis ; oculis
Longitudo e rostri apiee ad basin caudse 2 unc. 7 lin. ; caudae 3 unc. 4 lin.
Colour. — Upper parts pale broccoli-brown, lightly washed with yellowish
brown, the head and upper parts of the neck lightest, the tail darkest; ear coverts
rusty white ; chin, throat, and breast white, faintly tinged with wood-brown ;
belly and vent pale sienna-yellow. Bill a dark horn colour. Legs and toes
a clear buff-orange.
Form, &c. — Figure slender ; the tail long and much graduated. Bill
moderately strong, nearly straight, and compressed towards the point ; culmen
near the tip considerably arched. Wings rounded, and when folded reach
about an inch beyond the base of the tail ; the third, fourth, fifth, and
sixth quill feathers nearly equal and longest ; the seventh rather shorter ; the
second and eighth nearly of equal length and rather shorter than the seventh;
the first about half the length of the longest quill feather all the feathers
silky and slightly decomposed. Tarsi moderately strong, anteriorly scutel-
lated, posteriorly entire ; toes rather short and strong, the outer one united to
the middle one near the base ; claws slender, curved, and pointed, the one
arming the hinder toe longest and most curved.
DRYMOICA PALLIDA.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
Length from the point of the bill to
the tip of the tail 5 11
of the hill to the angle of the
mouth 0 7
of the wings when folded . . 2 1 3
of the tail 3 4
Female. — Unknown.
Inches. Lines.
Length of the tarsus 1 0
of the outer toe 0 3
of the middle toe 0 4g
of the inner toe 0 3
of the hinder toe 0 3
This species is but rarely obtained, and the only specimens I possess were procured about
three hundred miles to the north of Cape Town, in the Namaqua country. It occasionally
occurs in thickets, but more generally upon dwarf trees, in the vicinity of streams, and thiough
these it passes rapidly from branch to branch in pursuit of insects, which form its chief food.
1. DBYMOICA. RtTPICAPI LLA..
2. DRYMOICA LEYAILLANTII .
C.ATes_riate 7'6>)
DRYMOICA RUFICAPILLA.
Aves. — Plate LXXIII. Fig. 1. (Male.)
D. capite cerviceque supeme pallide castaneis ; interscapuliis, dorso, caudaque brunneis flavo-brunneo
lavatis; remigibus pallide brunneo-rubris pallide flavo-brunneo-marginatis ; gula, gutture, pectoris
ventrisque medio pallide stramineis ; capitis, cervicis, pectoris ventrisque lateribus pallide griseo-
brunneis ; rostro flavo-brunneo ; pedibus rubri-flavis ; oculis rubri-aurantiis.
Longitudo e rostri apice ad basin caudee 2 unc. 6 lin. ; caudse 1 unc. 11 lin.
Le Rousse Tete, Lemill. Ois. d’Afrique, pi. 124.?
Colour. — Top of the head and upper parts of the neck pale chesnut-
brown, the latter lightest ; interscapulars, back, and tail coverts pale broc-
coli-brown washed with yellowish brown ; tail the same colour, but brighter
and the feathers margined with light yellowish brown of a dull hue. Lesser
quill coverts light brownish red, broadly margined and tipped with pale
broccoli-brown. Primary and secondary quill coverts, and primary and
secondary quill feathers pale brownish red, margined more or less broadly
with pale yellowish brown, a few of the secondaries and the tertiary feathers
edged with pale chesnut-brown. Chin, throat, centre of breast and belly,
pale straw-yellow ; sides of head, neck, breast, belly, and vent, pale greyish
brown. Bill yellowish brown, the upper mandible shaded with umber-
brown; legs and toes pale buff-orange; claws a pale horn colour. Eyes
bright reddish orange.
Form, &c.— Figure slender, tail rather short and slightly graduated. Bill
nearly straight, and rather slender, towards point compressed, towards base
triangular ; wings rounded, and when folded reach over the first fourth
of the tail ; the third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh quill feathers nearly
equal and longest; the second considerably shorter, and the first narrow and
about half the length of the second ; the tertiaries as long as the primary
quill feathers. Tarsi rather strong, anteriorly scutellated, posteriorly entire ;
DRYMOICA RUFICAPILLA.
toes short and strong ; claws slender, curved, and pointed, the claw of the
hinder toe longest and strongest.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
Length from the point of the bill to
the tip of the tail 4 5
of the bill to the angle of the
mouth 0 6^
of the wings when folded ... 2 1 J
of the tail 1 11
Inches. Lines.
Length of the tarsus 0 10J
of the inner toe 0 3
of the middle toe 0 4J
of the outer toe 0 3
of the hinder toe 0 2f
Female. — Head the same colour as the back ; in other respects the colours
of the two sexes are the same.
This bird occurs in various situations in the interior of the Cape Colony, and is usually
found among brushwood or upon dwarf trees. It feeds upon small insects, and in quest of
those it is to be seen flitting from branch to branch with great rapidity. As compared with
many of the other species, it may be considered as rather a rare bird, and it rarely happens
that more than one or two specimens are procured in any given locality which it is known to
inhabit.
DRYMOICA LEVAILLANTII.— Smith.
Avec. — Plate LXXIII. — Fig. 2. (Male.)
D. capite cerviceque superne pallido castaneis, brunneo-strigatis ; interscapuliis dorsoque profunde
brunneis, pinnis flavo-brunneo marginatis ; rectricibus brunneo-rubris pallide castaneo-marginatis ;
partibus inferioribus pallide flavo-brunneis ; rectricibus brunneis externe castaneo-marginatis,
plumarum apicibus pallide flavo-brunneis ; rostro livido-brunneo ; pedibus rubri-flavis ; oculis
castaneis.
Longitudo e rostri apice ad basin caudse 2 unc. 5 lin. ; caudse 2 unc. 8 lin.
Colour. — The upper parts of the head, and the upper and lateral parts of
the neck, bright chesnut-brown, the two first variegated with umber-brown
stripes, one along the centre of each feather ; interscapulars, back, and tail
coverts liver-brown, each feather edged on both sides with pale wood-brown ;
lesser wing coverts umber-brown, broadly edged and tipped with pale
broccoli-brown. Primary and secondary quill coverts, and the tertiary quill
feathers, liver-brown, and distinctly edged externally with pale wood-brown ;
primary and secondary quill feathers light brownish red, edged with chesnut-
brown. Under parts pale wood-brown, the throat lightest, and inclined to
white. Tail feathers light umber-brown, margined externally with pale
chesnut-brown, and broadly tipped with dull wood-brown ; behind the light
points each feather is marked with a circumscribed liver-brown blotch, which
is much darker than the general colour of the feather, and is most readily
seen on the under surface of the tail. Eyebrows and sides of the head wood-
brown. Bill horn-coloured, the lower mandible lightest ; legs and toes pale
buff-orange ; claws horn-coloured. Eyes deep chesnut-brown.
Form, &c.— Figure rather robust; tail moderately long and graduated;
bill slightly curved, triangular at the base, compressed towards the point,
culmen considerably arched, wings rounded, and when folded reach ovei the
first third of the tail ; the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth nearly equal and
longest, the second rather shorter, and nearly equal in length to the
secondary quill feathers ; the first about half the length of the thiid, and very
narrow. Tarsi robust, anteriorly scutellated, posteriorly entire ; toes rather
DRYMOICA LEVAILLANTII.
long, and moderately strong ; claws slender, and slightly curved, the claw of
Inches.
Length from the point of the bill to
the tip of the tail 5
of the bill to the angle of the
mouth 0
of the wings when folded ... 2
of the tail 2
pointed.
DIMENSIONS.
Lines.
Inches.
Lines.
Length of the tarsus
0
9
i
of the outer toe
0
Si
of the middle toe
0
5f
fit
of the inner toe
0
H
3
of the hinder toe
0
3i
IH emale. — The colours the same as those of the male, only not so deep.
This species is rather widely distributed over South Africa. In the vicinity of Cape Town it
is not an uncommon bird, nor is it rare for at least some distance to the north of the Orange
River. It resorts both to underwood and long grass, especially in situations where the latter is
closely set and strong ; and it is found perhaps more frequently than any where else among
rushes or slender reeds in the neighbourhood of marshes, or upon the edges of streams. Its
food consists of insects, and in quest of these it flits quickly from spot to spot. Of the species
of this genus it is one of the least wild, and specimens are easily obtained when its resorts are
once discovered. Any unusual noise or appearance readily engages its attention, and leads it
to ascend to the top or outside of the material upon which it may happen to be perched, in
which position it is readily shot. It exhibits a slight peculiarity in respect of the length of the
toes : in most of the species of Drymoica the outer and inner toes are nearly of equal length ;
in this one, however, the inner toe is nearly as long as the middle toe, and palpably longer than
the outer one.
,&
1. DR YM 0 I C A TEXTRIX.
Z . D RYM 0 I C A TERRE S TRIS .
(Aves Plate 74.)
DRYMOICA TEXTRIX.
Aves. — Plate LXXIY. Fig. 1. — (Male.)
D. supA sordide brunnea, plumis albo aut flavo-brunneo marginatis ; infra sordide alba, pectore ventreque
striis brunneis variegatis ; cauda brunncA, rectricibus tribus externis latcris utriusque albo-terminatis ;
rostro pedibusque rubri-flavis.
Lonoitddo e rostri apice ad basin cauda: 2 unc. 11 lin. ; cauda: 1 unc. 1 lin.
Le Pinc Pinc, Levaill. Ois. d’Afriquc, pi. 131.
Colour. — The upper parts of the head and neck, together with the inter-
scapulars, back and shoulders, umber-brown, variegated with white and clear
yellowish brown ; the colours constituting the variegations occur at the edges
and tips of the feathers, which are either of the one or other of the light tints;
in the feathers of the back they are mostly yellowish brown. The sides of
the head and neck dirty yellowish brown, mottled with small umber-brown
blotches. The primary and secondary quill-coverts umber-brown edged and
tipped with pale wood-brown ; primary and secondary quill-feathers brownish
red, the former edged, faintly, with pale wood-brown, the latter rather broadly
with dirty greyish white. Chin and throat dirty greyish white, indistinctly
mottled with light umber-brown ; breast and anterior portion of belly pale
sienna-yellow distinctly mottled with oblong umber-brown spots nearly dis-
posed in rows, middle and hinder portions of belly blueish white ; flanks and
vent pale yellowish brown, the former variegated with longitudinal umber-brown
stripes. The two centre tail feathers brownish red, the rest umber-brown,
the whole edged with wood-brown, and the three outermost ones of each side
broadly tipped with white. Bill, legs, and toes pale buff-orange, the upper
mandible deepened from a shade of brown ; claws the same colour, rather
brownish at the tips. Eyes reddish brown.
Form, &c. — Figure rather robust. Bill short, rather robust towards base,
slender and compressed towards point ; it is slightly curved, and the arch of
the culmen anteriorly is considerable. Wings rounded, and when folded
cover nearly the first half of the tail ; the third, fourth, fifth and sixth quill
feathers nearly equal and longest, the second and seventh rather shorter, the
first rudimentary and narrow ; the two innermost secondaries, and some of
the tertiaries nearly equal in length to the primary quill feathers. Tail very
DRYMOICA TEXTRIX.
short and slightly graduated. Tarsi robust, anteriorly scutellated, posteriorly
entire ; toes slender and rather long, the outer and middle ones united to-
wards base ; claws long, slender, and slightly curved.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
Length from the point of the bill to
the tip of the tail 4 0
of the bill to the angle of the
mouth 0 6
of the wings when folded 1 10J
of the tail 1 1
Inches. Lines.
Length of the tarsus 0 llg
inner toe 0 3j
middle toe 0 5
outer toe 0 3^
hinder toe 0 3
Female. — Colours and proportions nearly the same as those of the male.
Although this bird, the “ Pine Pine” of Levaillant,* is well represented in the splendid
work of that traveller, yet I have thought it desirable to reproduce it here, to enable persons
not possessed of the work referred to, and which is not generally available to naturalists in
England, to compare it with the other South African species. It has been made the type of a
form by Mr. Swainson ;■(- but as I cannot regard it otherwise than as a Drymoica, with modi-
fications, suiting it for seeking its food upon the ground, I have not entitled it PLemipteryx.
The Pine Pine occurs in various situations in the Cape Colony, but is never found, as far as
I know, to the north of the Orange River. It occurs in districts abounding with long grass,
and seeks its food, which consists of insects, upon the ground in places so circumstanced. It
rarely perches, and when it does, it is in localities where small shrubs exist. Where neither
shrubs nor grass sufficiently strong to support it exist, it is only to be shot while on the
wing ; and when it has been once or twice put to flight, it afterwards conceals itself, and cannot
again be flushed even by the greatest exertion.
* Oiseaux d’Afrique, plate 131.
+ Lardner’s Cyclopredia. (Natural History. Birds, vol. ii. page 242.)
DRYMOICA TERRESTRIS.— Smith.
Aves. — Plate LXXIY. Fig. 2. (Male.)
D. capite suprk interscapuliisque sordide brunneis, flavo-brunneo marginatis ; cervice superne dorsoque
pallide flavo-brunneis parce sordide brunneo-maculatis ; remigibus griseo-brunneis, marginibus palli-
dioribus; gula guttureque flavo-albis; pectore ventreque subflavis ; rectricibus albo-terminatis ;
rostro pedibusque pallide rubri-flavis.
Longixcdo e rostri apice ad basin caudee 2 unc. lin. caudee 1 unc. 9 lin.
Colour. — Top of the head and interscapulars umber-brown, variegated
with yellowish brown, from all the feathers being edged and tipped with the
latter colour; the back of the neck, the back and the shoulders clear
yellowish brown dashed with longitudinal umber-brown streaks, one streak
along the middle of each feather — the variegations few and indistinct on the
back. Tail coverts umber-brown, margined and tipped with yellowish brown.
The sides of the head and neck pale yellowish brown, the latter behind
fading into white. Primary and secondary quill coverts umber-brown along
their centre, wood-brown at edges and tips. Primary and secondary quill
feathers broccoli-brown, narrowly margined externally with dull wood-brown ;
tertiary quill feathers umber-brown, broadly margined and tipped with
yellowish brown. Chin and throat yellowish white; breast, belly, vent, and
feathers of legs sienna-yellow, the tint of the flanks darkest. The two middle
tail feathers broccoli-brown, broadly margined and tipped with wood-brown,
the rest of the feathers brownish red, faintly edged externally with wood-
brown and broadly tipped with white; immediately behind the white tip
there is a large blotch of umber-brown seen most distinctly on viewing the
under surface of the feathers. Bill, legs, and toes pale buff-orange, the
upper mandible deepened from a shade of brown ; claws yellowish brown,
darkest at the points. Eyes reddish brown.
Form, &c.— Figure slender, bill moderately strong, triangular at base,
compressed towards point, slightly curved, the curvature of the culmen
considerable towards the point of the bill ; nostrils small, situated in a
depression towards base, and edged above with membrane. Wings rounded,
and when folded reach a little beyond the base of the tail ; the third, fourth,
DRYMOICA TERRESTRIS.
fifth, and sixth quill feathers nearly equal and longest, the second and
seventh rather shorter, the first about half as long as the second, and narrow ;
the tertiary nearly as long as the primary quill-feathers. Tail moderately
long, and slightly graduated, the two middle feathers rather the longest.
Tarsi moderately strong, anteriorly scutellated, posteriorly entire ; toes long
and moderately strong, the outer and middle ones united near their base ;
claws slightly curved, the claw of the hinder toe longest.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
Length from the point of the bill to
the tip of the tail 4 4|
of the bill to the angle of the
mouth o 6
of the wings when folded . . 2 1
of the tail l 9
Inches. Lines.
Length of the tarsus 0 10
of the outer toe 0 3
of the middle toe 0 4£
of the inner toe 0 3
of the hinder toe 0 3
Female. — The colours are rather brighter and the proportion of umber-
brown on the back is rather less than in the male. The bill is more delicate
and shorter.
This bird was first discovered upon the grassy plains lying between Latakoo and Kurrichane,
and was found, though sparingly, to the northward of the latter. It feeds on the ground,
always in situations fully supplied with long grass, and seems to hold an analogous place in
the districts it inhabits to that which Drymoica textrix holds in the more southern latitudes.
From its generally occurring in situations where few if any shrubs exist, it is not very easy to
procure specimens, as nothing occurs for the bird to perch upon ; hence the only chance of
killing it is by firing at it while on the wing. When an individual is discovered, it may be
flushed a second, and perhaps a third time, but after that any further attempts to disturb it
prove fruitless. It feeds upon minute insects.
1. DRYMOICA OCULARIUS.
2. DRYMOICA. PEC T, ORALIS.
(Aves._P]ate 75.)
DRYMOICA OCULARIUS.— Smith.
Aves. — Plate LXXY. Fig. 1. (Male.)
D. superne brunnea, flavo-brunneo-variegatas ; capitis lateribus badiis ; partibus inferioribus albis,
pectore fascia angusta nigro-brimnea, notato ; rostro castaneo, brunneo-umbrato ; oculis rubro-
aurantiis ; pedibus rubro-flavis.
Longitudo e rostri apice ad basin caudas 2 unc. 5 lin. ; caudce 2 nnc. 10 lin.
Colour. — The top of the head, the back and sides of the neck, the inter-
scapulars, back, and lesser wing-coverts umber-brown striped with yellowish
brown, the latter being the colour of the edges and tip of each feather. Tail
feathers, excepting the two middle ones, umber-brown, the outer vane of the
two outermost of each side and the margin of the outer vane of the third
yellowish brown ; the two middle feathers broccoli-brown, tinted with
yellowish brown. The sides of the head and ear-coverts intermediate be-
tween reddish orange and hyacinth-red ; the chin and throat white ; breast,
anteriorly, crossed by a narrow liver-brown bar, posteriorly dirty white tinted
with broccoli-brown, which is also the colour of the belly, thighs, and vent,
the tinting colour most distinct on the sides of the breast, flanks, and thighs.
Primary and secondary quill feathers light brownish red and margined,
externally, toward quills with wood-brown ; tertiary quill feathers umber-
brown, edged and tipped with wood-brown. Bill deep chesnut-brown,
shaded with umber-brown. Eyes pale reddish orange. Feet pale reddish
yellow ; claws a light horn-colour.
Form, &c.— Figure slender ; tail long and much graduated. Bill slender,
pointed, slightly curved, and rather broad at its base ; wings rounded
and when folded reach as far as the commencement of the second fourth of
the tail, the third, fourth, and fifth quill feathers equal and longest, the sixth
and seventh slightly shorter, the second and eighth nearly equal, and a little
shorter than the seventh, the first rather more than half the length of the third.
Tarsi rather robust, scutellated anteriorly, entire posteriorly ; toes slender ;
DRYMOICA OCULARIUS.
claws delicate, pointed, and considerably curved, the claw of hinder toe
strongest.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches.
Lines.
Inches. Lines.
Length from the point of the bill to
Length of the tarsus
the tip of the tail
5
3
of the outer toe
0 3
of the bill to the angle of the
of the middle toe ... .
0 5\
mouth
0
of the wings when folded . .
2
0
of the hinder toe ....
0 21
of the tail
2
10
Female.— The colours generally not so deep as those of the male, and the
white of the breast and belly is more pure ; in other respects the sexes
are like in general appearance.
This bird has rather an extensive range in South Africa, being found, though sparingly,
among brushwood in the northern districts of the Cape Colony, and between those districts
and the tropic of Capricorn. It feeds upon insects, and, in quest of them, it is to be seen
flitting from branch to branch in the most arid and barren situations.
DRYMOICA PECTORALIS.— Smith.
Aves. — Plate LXXV. Fig. 2. (Male.)
D. superne pallidfe cinereo-brunnea ; gula guttureque albis; pectore ventreque pallido-flavis, pectore
fascia profunde brunnca notato ; rectricibus versus apicem fascia brmmea maculatis ; rostro purpureo-
brunneo ; pedibus flavo-aurantiis.
Loncitudo e rostri apice ad basin caudae 2 unc. 5 lin. ; caudse 2 unc. 7 lin.
Colour. — Top of the head, ear-coverts, hack of the neck, interscapular
feathers, and back a colour intermediate between broccoli and wood-brown.
The lesser wing-coverts, and the primary and secondary quill-coverts red-
dish brown faintly edged with wood-brown ; quill feathers light brownish
red, the outer vanes narrowly edged with wood-brown. Tail feathers wood-
brown, the tips lightest, and immediately behind the light shade a faint
dark line, as if each was crossed by a narrow dusky bar, the two middle
feathers without either the dark bars or the light tips. Chin, upper portion of
throat, and sides of neck dirty white ; lower portion of throat and sides of
neck umber-brown, in the form of a broad transverse band. Eyebrows
slightly white. The sides of the breast light umber-brown, the flanks a light
and dusky hair-brown ; middle of breast, belly, vent, thighs, and under tail-
coverts straw-yellow. Bill liver-brown; tarsi and toes pale buff-orange; claws
horn-coloured. Eyes ochrey yellow.
Form, &c. — Figure slender ; tail long and much graduated. Bill slender-
pointed and slightly curved, rather broad at base, and the culmen prominent
between the nasal fosses. Wings rounded, and when folded, reach rather be-
yond the first third of the tail, the fourth, fifth, and sixth quill feathers equal
and longest, the third and seventh rather shorter, the second, eighth, and
ninth equal and rather shorter than the third, the first considerably shorter
than the second. Tarsi and toes moderately robust, the former scutellated
DRYMOICA PECTORALIS.
anteriorly, entire posteriorly; claws moderately strong, compressed, curved,
and pointed, the claw of hinder toe longest.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
Length from the point of the bill to
the tip of the tail 5 0
of the bill to the angle of the
mouth 0 6
of the wings when folded ... 2 I
of the tail 2 7
Inches. Lines.
Length of the tarsus 0 llj
of the outer toe 0 3
of the middle toe 0 4
of the inner toe 0 3
of the hinder toe 0 2^
Female. — The colours generally the same as those of the male, only duller.
The young bird is without the pectoral bar.
Inhabits dry situations abounding in brushwood, and was found principally at and around
Latakoo. It feeds upon insects, which it procures upon the shrubs and dwarf trees which it
frequents.
1. DRYMOICA CAPENSIS.
2. DRYMOICA SUBRUFI CAPILLA
(Ave9._Pla_te.76.)
DRYMOICA CAPENSIS.— Smith.
Aves.— Plate LXXVI. — Fig. 1. (Male.)
D. supra cinereo-viridi-flava, infra alba flavo-tincta ; gutture, pcctorccpio maculis brunneis subovatis
yariegatis ; remigibus brunneis exteme cinereo-flavo-marginatis ; rectricibus, duabus mediis exceptis,
albo-terarinatis et post maculas albas fascia nigro-brunnea notatis ; superciliis subalbis ; rostro rubro-
brunneo ; pcdibus rubro-flavis.
Longitudo ab apice rostri ad caudcc basin 2 unc. 5 lin. ; caudse 2 unc. 6 lin.
Colour. — The upper surface of the head, the back and side of the neck,
the interscapulars, the back, the tail coverts, and the tail feathers inter-
mediate, between broccoli and yellowish brown ; the points of all the tail
feathers excepting those of the two middle ones narrowly margined with
wood-brown. The primary and secondary quill coverts, and the primary and
secondary quill feathers, dull umber-brown ; the secondary quill coverts and
all the quill feathers narrowly edged, externally, with deep wood-brown ; the
edges of wings, anteriorly, white. The chin, throat, and under parts of
body white, with a yellowish tinge, amounting at the centre of the belly
almost to a straw-yellow and all the under parts, excepting the middle of the
belly and the flanks, are variegated with short, subovate, umber-brown stripes,
disposed nearly in longitudinal rows ; the flanks are a uniform dull hair-
brown. Eyebrows slightly white. Bill rich chesnut-brown, shaded with dull
liver-brown ; feet pale reddish yellow.
Form, &c.— Figure moderately robust. Bill slender, slightly curved and
pointed, rather broad at the base. Tail rather lengthened and rounded or
slightly graduated. Wings rounded, and when folded reach to the second
fourth of the tail, the fourth and fifth quill feathers rather the longest,
the third and sixth slightly shorter, the second considerably shorter than the
third, and the first rather more than half the length of the fourth; the
secondary and tertiary quill feathers considerably shorter than the primary
DRYMOICA CAPENSIS.
quill feathers. Tarsi robust, scutellated anteriorly, entire behind : toes long
and moderately strong ; claws slender, pointed and much curved.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches.
Lines.
Inches. Lines
Length from the point of the bill to
Length of the tarsus
the tip of the tail
4
11
0 3s
of the bill to the angle of the
of the middle toe . . .
0
mouth
0
of the inner toe ....
0 3{
of the wings when folded . .
2
1
of the hinder toe . . .
of the tail
2
6
Female. — Not known.
Inhabits various districts in the western division of the Cape Colony, and
is found in situa-
tions which abound with shrubs. It feeds upon insects, and searches for those both upon
underwood and on the ground, generally, however, on the former. It is also occasionally
observed among coarse grass or reeds, busily engaged climbing or flitting about in quest of
food.
DRYMOICA SUBRUFICAPILLA.— Smith.
Aves. — Plate LXXYI. Fig. 2. (Female.)
D. capite cerviceque supra castaneis brunneo-striatis ; dorso pallide brunneo, subcinereo-variegato ;
partibus inferioribus flavo-cinereis, pectore leviter brunneo-notato ; rectricibus versus apicem
brunneo-fasciatis ; rostro castaneo profunde brunneo-umbrato ; tarsis rubro-brunneis ; pedibus flavo-
brunneis.
Longitudo e rostri apice ad basin caudse 3 unc. 1 lin ; caudse 2 unc. 3 lin.
Colour. — The upper parts of the head and the back, and the sides of the
neck near to the head, light chesnut-brown, striped with umber-brown along
the centre of each feather ; the lower parts of the back and the sides of the
neck, the interscapulars, the lesser wing-coverts, and the back umber-brown,
variegated with a colour intermediate between ash-grey and broccoli-brown,
each feather being so broadly edged and tipped with the latter as even to
constitute it the predominant colour. Tail dull reddish brown, all the
feathers tipped with wood-brown, the two centre ones very faintly, and all
the others have, each, a broad transverse umber-brown bar immediately be-
hind the light tip. The primary and secondary wing-coverts umber- brown,
margined externally, and tipped with pale wood-brown ; the primary, se-
condary, and tertiary quill feathers intermediate, between brownish red and
umber- brown, the tertiaries darkest, — the primary and secondary feathers
towards the quills narrowly margined with light chesnut-brown ; the
tertiaries are edged and tipped with wood-brown. Chin, throat, middle of
breast and belly pale yellowish grey, passing in some places into white, the
breast faintly freckled with pale brown ; sides of breast, flanks, vent, and
under tail-coverts pale hair-brown. Bill chesnut-brown, shaded with umber-
brown, the lower mandible, towards its base, yellowish brown. Tarsi pale
reddish brown, passing towards toes into yellowish brown ; claws yellowish
brown, tinted with light reddish brown.
Form, &c. — Figure rather robust. Bill slender, slightly arched and pointed;
tail graduated, and in some specimens is much longer than in the one
DRYMOICA SUBRUFICAPILLA.
figured. Wings rounded, and when folded reach nearly to the commence-
ment of the second third of the tail, the third, fourth, and fifth quill feathers
equal and longest, the second and sixth a little shorter, the first about half
the length of the longest. Tarsi rather robust, scutellated anteriorly, entire
posteriorly ; toes rather long and slender ; claws rather delicate, slightly
curved and pointed, the claw of hinder toe the strongest.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
Length from the point of the bill to
the tip of the tail 5 4
of the bill to the angle of the
mouth 0 6J
of the wings when folded . . 2 0
of the tail 2 3
Inches. Lines.
Length of the tarsus 0 9
of the outer toe 0 3^
of the middle toe 0 4§
of the inner toe 0 3
of the hinder toe 0 3
Male. — Not known.
This bird occurs in various districts of the Cape Colony, and is either found upon brushwood
or among rushes or reeds. It feeds upon insects, and, like others of the genus, flits generally
from branch to branch or from reed to reed in quest of its food.
1. DRYMOICA A F FINIS.
2. DRYMOICA CHERINA.
(Aves Pla-te 77.)
DRYMOICA AFFINIS.— Smith.
Aves.— Plate LXXYII. Fig. 1. (Female.)
D. capite cerviceque superne griseo-brunncis ; intorscapuliis dorsoque grisco-bninneis, flavo brunneo-tinctis ;
partibus inferioribus flavo-albis ; abdominis lateribus tectricibusque caudse inferioribus ochraceis ;
remigibus rubro-brunnois externc flavo brunneo-marginatis ; rectricibus pallide rubro-brunneis albo-
terminatis et versus apicem nigro-brunneo-fasciatis ; rostro brunneo versus basin mandibulse flavo-
brunneo ; pedibus rubro-flavis.
Longitddo ab apice rostri ad basin caudre 4 unc. 7.*r lin; caudse 2 unc. 6 lin.
Colour. — The upper surface of the head and the back and sides of the
neck broccoli-brown, faintly tinged with yellowish brown, and some ot
the feathers of the former indistinctly streaked with pale umber-brown ; in-
terscapulars and back intermediate between broccoli and yellowish brown, and
slightly glossed with oil-green : rump and upper tail coverts pale yellowish
brown. Chin, throat, centre of breast and belly yellowish white ; the sides
of the breast the same colour as the head ; the flanks, vent, under tail coverts
and thighs rusty sienna-yellow. Lesser wing-coverts, primary and secondary
quill-coverts, and the primary, secondary and tertiary quill-feathers brownish
red, the lesser wing-coverts and quill-coverts edged and tipped with pale
yellowish brown, and the quill-feathers margined externally with light yellow-
ish brown. Tail feathers a light dull reddish brown, edged with yellowish
brown, and tipped with white, each feather behind the light tip with a broad
transverse brownish-red bar. Bill umber-brown, the base of lower mandible
wood-brown. Tarsi and toes reddish-yellow ; claws the same colour, tinted
towards the points with brown.
Form, & c. Figure slender, tail elongated and much graduated. Bill
rather weak, short, nearly straight and pointed, the culmen towards apex of
mandible slightly arched. Wings rounded, and when folded reach to the
commencement of the second-third of the tail, fourth, fifth, and sixth quill-
feathers equal and longest, third and seventh slightly shorter, second and
ninth equal and considerably shorter than third, first rather more than half
the length of the second ; secondary and tertiary quill-feathers considerably
shorter than the longest primaries. Tarsi and toes rather slender, the tarsi
anteriorly faintly scutellated, posteriorly entire ; claws weak, short, mode-
rately curved, and pointed.
DRYMOICA AFFINIS.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
Length from the point of the bill to
the tip of the tail 4 7|
of the bill to the angle of the
mouth 0
of the wings when folded ... 2 0
of the tail 2 6
Inches. Lines.
Length of the tarsus 0 9
of the outer toe 0 3
of the middle toe 0 4J
of the inner toe 0 3
of the hinder toe 0 3j
Male. — Not known.
Inhabits dry flats in the interior of South Africa, and flits to and fro in search of insects
amongst the shrubs with which they are more or less coated. It is a rare bird in the parts of
the country which have been yet explored ; hence, I infer, that the head-quarters of the species
will he found beyond the districts which have been traversed. This species exhibits a con-
siderable resemblance to Drymoica pallida, but when the two are compared together, very
palpable differences are to be discovered. In the present species the tail-feathers are tipped
with white, and each has behind the white tip a dark umber-brown bar; in D. pallida the
feathers are uniformly of one colour. The bill of D. affinis is longer and stronger than that of
JD. pallida, though the bird itself is smaller, and the tarsi of the latter are longer and stronger
than those of the former.
DRYMOICA CHERINA.— Smith.
Aves. — Plate LXXYII. Fig. 2. (Female.)
D. capite cerviceque profundi rubro-bruimeis ; interscapuliis, alarum tectricibus minoribus, remigium
rectriciumque tectricibus brunneis, flavo bruimeo-marginatis ; rcctricibus profunde brunneis albo-
terminatis et apicibus albis postice fascia lata nigro-brunnea marginatis ; partibus inferioribus flavo-
albis ; rostro superne aurantio-brunneo ; infernc subflavo ; pedibus rubro-flavis.
Longitudo ab apice rostri ad basin caudse 3 unc. 11 bn. ; caudee 1 unc. lin.
Colour. — The upper surface of the head and the back and the sides of the
neck deep reddish brown, the last named parts lightest ; the interscapulars,
the upper tail-coverts, the lesser wing-coverts, quill-coverts, and the tertiary
quill- feathers, umber-brown, the feathers edged and tipped with yellowish
brown. Back yellowish brown, each feather towards quill dull lavender-
purple. The primary and secondary quill-feathers light brownish red, lightest
at the points, the primaries, towards quills, and the secondaries throughout
narrowly margined externally with yellowish grey. Tail-feathers umber-
brown, the two centre feathers tipped narrowly, the others broadly, with white ;
and each, with the exception of the two centre ones, crossed by an umber-
brown bar immediately behind the white tip. The chin, throat, centre of
breast, and belly yellowish white ; sides of breast and flanks tinted with
broccoli-brown. Bill,- — the upper mandible orange-coloured brown, the lower
mandible light sienna-yellow. Tarsi, toes and claws light reddish yellow.
Form, &c. — Figure slender ; tail very short and rounded ; bill long, nearly
straight, compressed anteriorly, and pointed at the tip, towards the base
triangular. Wings rounded and, when folded, reach over the first half of the
tail, the third, fourth, and fifth quill-feathers equal and longest, the sixth
slightly shorter, the second a little shorter than the sixth, and the first not
quite half the length of the second. Tarsi short, moderately strong, dis-
tinctly scutellated anteriorly, entire posteriorly; toes long and slender;
claws delicate, considerably curved, and pointed.
DRYMOICA CHERINA.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches.
Lines.
Inches.
Lines
Length from the point of the bill
Length of the tarsus . .
0
to the tip of the tail ....
3
11
of the outer toe
4
of the bill to the angle of the
of the middle toe
0
H
mouth
0
n
of the inner toe .
H
of the wings when folded . .
1
ii
of the hinder toe
31
of the tail
1
n
Male. — Not known.
This species occurs within the
limits
of the
Cape Colony ; but is a
rare bird as compared
with D. textrix. Like the latter, it inhabits situations covered with strong grass, and seeks its
food, which consists of small insects, either on the ground or upon the grass itself, along the
stalks of which it runs with great facility. It also perches upon small shrubs. The absence
of anything like brown spots on the breast forms at once a character by which it is distin-
guishable from D. textrix, and the colour of the upper parts, added to the greater size of the
bill and feet, constitute diagnostic characters by which it is to be recognized from D. terrestris.
tf '
DEYMOICA ABERRANS
(Aves Plate 7 8 )
DRYMOICA ABERRANS.— Smith.
Aves. — Plate LXXVIII. (Female.)
D. capite cerviceque superne pallide castaneis; dorso griseo-brunneo, flavo-brunneo tincto, et obscure
brunneo strigata ; partibus inferioribus pallide viridi-flavis ; rectricibus ad apicem pallidis et fasciis
brunneis obscure notatis ; superciliis pallide flavis ; rostro superne aurantio-brunneo, inferne pallide
flavo ; pedibus pallide rubro-flavis.
Longitudo e rostri apice ad basin caud;o 2 unc. 8 \ lin; caudce 3 unc. 2 lin.
Colour. — The upper surface of the head and the back of the neck pale
chesnut-brown, deepened with hyacinth-red; the interscapulars and feathers
of back intermediate between yellowish and broccoli-brown, each with an
indistinct umber-brown shade in the course of the shaft ; the under parts a
pale rusty olive-yellow, the throat and chin lightest; the sides of breast and
the flanks tinged with hair-brown. Lesser wing-coverts dull umber-brown,
edged with dull yellowish brown. The primary, secondary, and tertiary quill
feathers light brownish red ; the primaries and secondaries edged towards
quills with pale chesnut-brown ; the tertiaries edged and tipped with dull
yellowish brown. Tail feathers coloured like the back, lightest at the points,
and behind the light points a faint indication on each of a dark spot or bar ;
the two middle ones edged externally and internally, the rest only externally
with yellowish brown. Eyebrows pale sienna-yellow, not distinctly in-
dicated. Bill ; — upper mandible light orange-coloured brown, shaded with
deep reddish brown, lower mandible straw-yellow. Legs and toes pale red-
dish yellow.
p0RM Figure rather robust ; tail lengthened and graduated. Bill rather
strong and moderately acute, the upper mandible considerably curved to-
wards the point ; the sides towards base expanded, towards point perpendi-
cular. Wings rounded, and when folded reach rather beyond the first third
of the tail ; the fourth and fifth feathers equal and longest, the third and sixth
a little shorter, the second about half an inch shorter than the fourth, and the
first as much shorter than the second ; the secondary and tertiary quill feathers
a little shorter than the primaries. Tarsi strong, scutellated anteriorly, entire
DRYMOICA ABERRANS.
posteriorly ; toes moderately long and rather strong ; claws short, consider-
ably curved and pointed ; the claw of the hinder toe the strongest.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches.
Lines.
Inches.
Lines.
Length from the point of the bill to
Length of the tarsus
0A
the tip of the tail
5
10A
of the inner toe ....
3
of the bill to the angle of the
of the middle toe . . .
. . . . 0
mouth
0
8
of the outer toe ....
0
3f
of the wings when folded . . .
2
4
of the hinder toe ....
24
of the tail
3
2
Male. — Colour of upper surface of head brighter, and the dusky umber-
brown stripes or shades on the back more defined and clearer ; in other re-
spects the colours are like those of the female.
The only specimens of this species which I have seen, were shot near Port Natal, while
perched upon some brushwood which skirted a tract of marshy ground. Before they resorted
to the brushwood, they were observed flitting to and fro among strong rushes, as if in quest of
their food, which was found to have consisted of insects.
Although this bird does not exhibit what may be considered all the typical characters of
Drymoica, it must, in my opinion, nevertheless be regarded as appertaining to that genus, and as
being a species which must be ranked as one of the first in the division which includes the
aberrant forms. The species represented in Plates 79 and 80 present characters still more
remote from those of the true Drymoica, yet I cannot bring myself to separate them under
another designation, inasmuch as I cannot discover any characters possessed by them which
render them more distinct from the less perfect forms in the division comprising the typical
species ol the genus, than I can perceive between the latter and the more highly typical species.
When the species figured in this number and the preceding are viewed in succession, and when
each species is compared with the one which appears naturally to stand next to it, no such
modifications of structure can be discovered as to justify any one of them being regarded as
appertaining to a form different from the rest.
DRYMOICA CHI NI ANA
\
(Ares Plate. 7 9 .)
DRYMOICA CHINIANA.— Smith.
Aves. — Plate LXXIX. (Male.)
D. capite cerviceque superne cinnamomeis, plumis flavo-brunneo-marginatis ; dorso brunneo-rubri, plumis
pallide griseo-brunneo-marginatis ; rectricibus, brunneo-rubris apicibus griseo brunneis et pone fusco-
fasciatis; gula et yentre albis; pectoris ventrisque lateribus griseo-bruneo flavo-tinctis; gutture
pectoreque ochraceo-albis ; rostro superne flavo-brunneo infra subilavo ; pedibus rubro-flavis.
Longitudo e rostri apice ad basin caudae 2 unc. 10| lin ; caudae 2 unc. 10| lin.
Colour. — The upper surface of the head, and the back and upper parts of
the sides of neck, intermediate between yellowish brown and hyacinth-red
(a bright cinnamon-brown), the feathers narrowly edged and tipped with light
yellowish brown. The interscapulars, the lesser wing coverts, and the
feathers of the back brownish red, each edged and tipped with wood-brown.
Rump and upper tail coverts pale broccoli-brown, the feathers narrowly
edged and tipped with light wood-brown. The primary and secondary quill
coverts umber-brown, the former narrowly edged, externally, and the latter
broadly edged and tipped with wood-brown. The primary and secondary
quill feathers brownish red, the outer vanes of the primaries, towards quills,
broadly edged with yellowish brown, towards the tips narrowly with wood-
brown, the tips the same colour ; secondary quill feathers edged externally
with a brighter tint of yellowish brown, and towards and at tips wood-brown ;
the tertiary quill feathers umber-brown, edged and tipped with yellowish
brown, passing, close to margins, into wood-brown ; the inner vanes of all
the quill feathers towards base sienna-yellow. Tail, — the two middle
feathers yellowish brown, lightest at the edges, the other feathers light
brownish red, brightened towards edges with yellowish brown, the tips dull
wood-brown, and behind them a broad bar of umber-brown. Chin and
centre of belly white ; throat and centre of breast pale ochrey-wlnte ; the
side of the neck and breast, the flanks, and the under tail-coverts pale hair-
brown tinged with sienna-yellow. Bill, — upper mandible yellowish brown,
shaded at base and near the tip with dull chesnut-brown ; lower mandible
DEYMOICA CHINIANA.
sienna-yellow, shaded near the point with dull chesnut-brown. Tarsi, toes,
and claws reddish yellow, the latter lightest.
Form, &c. — Figure rather robust ; hill considerably arched, especially
towards the tip, which is pointed ; cutting edge of upper mandible entire ;
lower mandible slightly curved downwards. Tail rather long and moderately
graduated. Wings rounded, and when folded, reach as far as the com-
mencement of the second fourth of the tail, the fourth quill feather rather
the longest, the third and fifth equal and slightly shorter, the second con-
siderably shorter than the third, and the first about half the length of the
second ; the tertiary quill feathers nearly as long as the primaries. Tarsi
and toes strong and rather short, the former scutellated anteriorly, entire
posteriorly, the hinder toe the most powerful : claws rather short, strong,
much curved and pointed.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches.
Lines.
Inches. Lines
Length from the point of the bill to
the tip of tail
5
9
Length of the tarsus
of the outer toe
0 9|
of the bill to the angle of the
mouth
0
n
of the middle toe ... .
of the inner toe
0 6
0 4
of wings when folded
2
9
of the hinder toe ... .
0 3|
of tail
2
10J
Female. — Not known.
Only one specimen of this species was obtained, and that was killed while perched upon
some brushwood growing near the edge of a small stream to the northward of Kurrichane. In
its habits it resembled the species already described, and, at the time it was shot, it was moving
quickly about among the branches apparently in quest of its food, which was found to consist
of insects.
$
-DRYMOICA NATALEN SI S
(Aves Plate. 80.)
DRYMOICA NATALENSIS. — Smith.
Aves. — Plate LXXX. (Male.)
D. superne fiavo-rufus valido brunneo-strigatus ; gula guttureque albis ; pectore ventreque subflavis ,
rectricibus rubro-brunneis rubro-aurantio-niarginatis et flavo-albo-terminatis, plumis versus apicem
profunde brunneo-fasciatis ; rostro subflavo superne rubro-brunneo-umbrato ; pedibus rubro-aurantiis.
Longitcdo e rostri apice ad basin caudfe 3 unc. 11 lin; caudas 3 unc. 4 lin.
Colour. — The upper surface of the head, the back and sides of neck, the
interscapulars, the back, the upper tail-coverts, the lesser wing-coverts, and
the rump intermediate between reddish and buff orange, and each of the
feathers, excepting those of the rump, marked in the course of the shaft with
abroad longitudinal dark umber-brown stripe. Tail feathers reddish brown,
edged with reddish orange, and tipped with pale buff orange ; behind each
light tip a broad transverse bar of deep umber-brown, the bars indistinct on
the two centre feathers ; the tips of several of the lateral feathers nearly pure
white. Primary and secondary quill-coverts umber-brown margined and
tipped with pale buff orange. Primary and secondary quill feathers brownish
red, margined, externally, towards quills, with dull reddish orange ; tertiary
quill feathers deep umber-brown, margined and tipped with reddish orange.
Chin and throat white ; breast, belly, vent, and under tail-coverts sienna-
yellow, the flanks darkest. Bill pale sienna-yellow, the upper mandible
towards culmen deep reddish brown ; legs, toes, and claws pale reddish
orange.
Form, &c.— Figure robust and rather squat; tail graduated. Bill strong
and pointed, compressed anteriorly, triangular posteriorly, depth much greater
than breadth ; culmen arched from front strongly towards the point ; lower
mandible inferiorly, nearly straight, the cutting edge of upper mandible
entire ; nostrils narrow, longitudinal, each in a somewhat triangular hollow,
close to base of bill, and superiorly edged with a horny membrane ; some
strono- bristles at angles of mouth. Wings rounded, and when folded reach
a little beyond the base of the tail ; the fourth, fifth, and sixth quill feathers
DRYMOICA NATALENSIS.
equal and longest; the third and seventh equal and a little shorter; the
second about half an inch shorter than the longest; and the first about half
the length of the second ; the tertiary quill feathers nearly as long as the
primaries. Tarsi robust, anteriorly scutellated, posteriorly entire ; toes long
and rather strong, particularly the posterior one ; claws long, much curved
and pointed.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
Length from the point of the bill to
the tip of the tail 7 3
of the bill to the angle of the
mouth 0 8J
of the wings when folded . . 3 qi
of the tail 3 4
Female. — Not known.
Inches. Lines.
Length of the tarsus 1 j i
of the outer toe 0 5|
of the middle toe 0 8
of the inner toe 0 5
of the hinder toe 0 5
Inhabits the neighbourhood of Port Natal, and the specimen described was shot noon reeds
among whrch It was flitting and fro in search of insects, which, from the ingesta found in
stomach, appeared to have been its sole food.
POLYB OROIDES TYPICUS .
(Ave 6_ Wat e. 81/
POLYBOROIDES TYPICUS.— Smith.
Aves. — Plates LXXXI. (Adult Female.)
P. capite, cervice, pectore interscapuliisque cinereis, ferrugineo-tinctis, his lineis rubro-brunnois ver-
miculatis ; dorso ventreque fasciolis albis nigro-brunneisque' fasciatis ; plumis scapnlaribus maculis
virido-nigris notatis ; cauda nigro-brunnei purpureo-tincta, versus apicem fascia alba trausversa,
versus basin fasciolis duabus aut tribus irregularibus ejusdem coloris ; tarsis compressis reticulatis ;
capitis lateribus nudis ; oculis fiavis.
Longitudo e rostri apice ad basin caudse 14 unc. ; caudte 16 unc.
Falco Gymnogenys, Temm. — PI. col. 307.
Poyyboroides typicus, Smith. — South African Quarterly Journal, March, 1830.
Gymnogenys Madagascariensis, Less. — Traite d’Ornitli. Paris, Nov. 1830.
Colour. — The head, neck, breast, interscapulars, scapulars and lesser wing-
coverts, rusty pearl grey, the three last vermiculated transversely with deli-
cate reddish brown lines and several of the scapulars variegated beside near
their tip with a large greenish black blotch. The back, upper tail coverts,
belly, vent, under tail coverts and thighs alternately barred white and liver-
brown, the bars transverse and narrow, and each of the white ones has a fine
prolongation, following in the course of the shaft, directed towards the point of
the feathers. The primary and secondary quill coverts rusty pearl-grey each
with an irregular greenish black blotch towards the point most distinct on the
outer vane, their tips white. The primary quill feathers deep liver-brown
with either a purple or greenish gloss according to the light in which they
are observed, and the tips of all or only part of them white ; the secondaries
towards quills pearl-grey with the inner vanes vermiculated with brownish
red, towards the tips they are greenish black, and the tips themselves are
white margined faintly with yellowish brown. Tail feathers the same colour
as the primary quill feathers, and each is crossed towards the tip with a
broad white bar, and towards the base with two or three narrow irregular ones,
the inner vanes besides are variegated with oblique irregular white lines ; the
broad white bar towards the tip is freely variegated with numerous liver-brown
POLYBOROIDES TYPICUS.
or brownish red lines. Legs and toes light ochre-yellow ; claws liver- brown
with a tinge of reddish brown towards the base. Bill liver-brown ; cere, base
of lower mandible, naked space on sides of head, and the eyes yellow.
(Young.) Plate LXXXII.
Front yellowish white sparingly streaked with umber-brown ; the upper
surface of the head and the nape light umber-brown, the feathers of former
broadly, those of latter narrowly edged and tipped with yellowish brown ; the
back and sides of the neck, the interscapulars, the back, the lesser wing coverts
and the secondary quill coverts intermediate between umber and yellowish
brown and faintly glossed with purplish red, — all the feathers narrowly edged
and tipped with yellowish brown. Primary quill coverts liver-brown with a
purplish gloss, and tipped narrowly with yellowish brown ; tertiary quill
feathers dull yellowish brown indistinctly barred with umber-brown. Tail
the same colour as the primary quill feathers and crossed with four dull
yellowish brown bars, each of which is edged anteriorly and posteriorly with
a lighter tint,— the tips of all the feathers yellowish-brown. Chin and throat
yellowish white variegated with longitudinal umber-brown streaks; breast
and belly yellowish brown deadened with umber-brown ; thighs, vent and
under tail coverts pale yellowish brown barred with a colour intermediate be-
tween umber and yellowish brown. Tarsi yellowish white ; toes a livid
oclirey white. Cere, base of lower and edges of upper mandible towards base
yellow, the bill elsewhere liver-brown. Eyes yellow.
Form, &c.— Figure slender; head rather small, and its sides before and
behind the eye denuded of feathers ; the feathers of nape and of the back and
sides of the neck rather elongated. Wings long, pointed, and when folded
reach to within two inches of the tip of the tail, the fourth and fifth feathers
the longest, the third and sixth equal and rather shorter, the second about an
inch and a halt shorter than the third, and the first about three inches shorter
than the second. Tail large and rounded, or fan-shaped. Tarsi and toes ex-
cept the last joint reticulated, the scales of the former rather large, of the latter
small, the last joint of each toe superiorly covered with three or four short
prominent transverse plates ; tarsi compressed ; under-surface of toes finely
granular; claws long, pointed, much curved, compressed and moderately
strong. Bill considerably hooked at the point ; nostrils situated in the cere
in the form of a longitudinal fissure about lialf-wray between the culmen and
cutting edge of the upper mandible.
POLYB OROIDES TYPICUS (Young.)
(Ave ? Plate 82)
- *
t
POLYBOROIDES TYPICUS.
DIMENSIONS OF FEMALE.
Inches. Lines.
Length from the point of the bill to
the tip of the tail 30 0
of the bill to the angle of the
mouth 1 lb
of the wings when folded. . . 16 0
of the tail 16 0
Male
Inches. Lines
Length of the tarsus 4 3
of the outer toe 1 2
of the middle toe 1 10
of the inner toe . . , 1 2
of the hinder toe 0 11
. — The exact colours are not known.
This species has a wide range, being found in Madagascar, and throughout the whole of
Africa ; at least I infer the latter from having myself found it in most parts of Southern Africa,
and from having seen good drawings of both the adult and young, which weie killed on the
Gold Coast.
FRAN CO LI NUS GAR I F P F N 5 1 S . Mai e.
{ Aye s Plate83)
FRANCOLINUS GARIEPENSIS.
Aves. — Plate LXXXIII. — Male.
F. fronte, capite, cerviceque sup erne rubro-brunneis, plumis rubro-aurantio-marginatis ; cervice fasciis
duabus nigro-brunueis albo-maculatis notata, fascia superiore ad basin cervicis desinente ; dorso
aurantio-brunneo, nigro-brunneo, aurantio, et griseo variegato ; gula guttureque superne albis ; pec-
tore rubro-aurantio, subflavo, ct griseo variegato, plumis fasciolis nigro-brunneis notatis ; ventre,
flavo-aurantio, aurantio-rubroque strigato ; tarsis pedibusque flavo-aurantiis ; rostro brunneo-rubro
versus basin fiavo ; oculis brunneo-rubris.
Longitudo e rostri apice ad basin caudae 14 unc. ; caudse 3 unc. 9 lin.
Colour. — The forehead, the upper surface of the head, and the back of
the neck dull reddish brown, all the feathers edged with pale rusty orange,
and some of them towards the back marked in the course of the shaft with
a stripe of a like colour, the proportion of the light tint greatest towards the
interscapulars. The sides of the neck are variegated with two arched liver-
brown bars mottled with white, the upper one originating at the outer
canthus of the eye, the other at the base of the lower jaw; and they are
separated from each other by a rusty orange stripe sparingly mottled with
umber-brown. The superior of these arches terminates towards the base of
the neck, the other joins its fellow of the opposite side, and forms a dark
semicircle in front of the neck, the convexity of which is backwards; the upper-
most arch is separated from the parts of the hind head and neck already
described by a rusty orange band sparingly dotted with brown. The chin
and part of the throat anterior to the dark semicircle white, and the front and
sides of the neck below it, as also the breast a colour intermediate between
orpiment and reddish orange, variegated with longitudinal bars of light cream-
yellow, one on each feather, some of them occupying nearly the entire of the
outer vane, and broken by narrow transverse liver-brown bars ; the tips dull
pearl-grey. Belly mottled with irregular blotches of bright buff- orange, and
a colour intermediate between orpiment and reddish orange; thighs and
FRANCOLINUS GARIEPENSIS.
under tail coverts light buff-orange faintly barred with umber-brown. Intersca-
pular and back variegated with bright orange-brown, liver-brown, light buff-
orange, and dull pearl-grey, — the buff-orange in narrow stripes, one along the
centre of each feather, the liver-brown in transverse bars, which are both be-
fore and behind edged with reddish orange ; the pearl-grey towards and at the
tips of the feathers in many specimens fades into white. The lesser wing
coverts are barred both longitudinally and transversely with buff-orange, and
each bar is edged with liver-brown— on these feathers the pearl-grey is more
distinct than on those of the back. Primary and secondary quill feathers
dull umber-brown, the former finely freckled with small buff-orange spots,
the latter with pale reddish orange bars which change into white towards the
edges of the outer vanes, the inner vanes towards quills light orange-red ;
the tertiaries and scapulars with a reddish orange line in the course of their
shaft, and barred transversely with the same colour, each bar being edged
before and behind with liver- brown, and between the edgings the colour is
a light pearly grey, finely mottled with umber-brown. Tail umber-brown,
with waved, transverse, reddish orange bars, the feathers, particularly at the
tips, tinted with pearl-grey. The edge of the upper mandible towards its
base, and the base of the lower one reddish yellow, elsewhere brownish
red. Legs and toes a rusty buff-orange ; cla-ws brownish-red ; the base of
the spur reddish yellow, the remainder brownish red. Eyes deep
brownish red. F
Form, &c. — Figure moderately robust ; head rather small ; bill much
arched towards the point, the upper mandible considerably longer than
the lower, and obtuse at the point. Wings rounded, and when folded reach
a little beyond the base of the tail ; the third quill feather the longest, the
second and fourth a little shorter, the first about an inch shorter "than the
second ; tertiaries and scapulars nearly as long as the primaries. Tail rather
long and rounded at the tip. Tarsi compressed, anteriorly coated with large
scales, laterally with small scales, and behind with scales of an intermediate
size. Toes slender, with rudimentary webs ; claws slightly curved, rather
slender, and blunt at the point ; spur originating on the inner and posterior
aspect of the tarsus is short, curved, and towards the point turned obliquely
upwards.
FRANC GLINTS GAR] E PEN SIS. (Female.)
( Aves Pla-te 84.)
.
FRANCOLINUS GARIEPENSIS.
Female. — The colours and the manner in which they are distributed are
nearly the same as in the Male ; the tints however are less bright, and the
depth of the colours are not so great ; the tarsus is without a spur.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
Length from the point of the bill to
the tip of tail 14 0
of the bill to the angle of the
mouth 1 4
of the wings when folded . . 6 9
of the tail 3 9
Inches. Lines.
Length of the tarsus 1 10
of the outer toe 0 7|
of the middle toe 0 10
of the inner toe 0 6%
of the hinder toe 0 3
of the spur 0 4
This species bears a strong similarity to Francolinus Levaillantii, but the points in which it
differs are readily discovered when specimens of both are viewed together, or when representations
of each are placed in contrast. The difficulty of discriminating between these so nearly allied
species without the aid of illustrations, has induced me to re-figure F. Levaillantii, and the
leading differences will be found particularized in the observations following the description
of that species. The F. Gariepensis occurs towards the sources of the Caledon and Vaal
Rivers, and is generally if not always found upon open grassy slopes, in which situations its
call, especially in the mornings and evenings, is very frequently heard, and it seems to be
uttered as it rapidly pursues its course among the grass which generally abounds where
it resorts.
F R.A NCO LI MUS LEV AIL Li A N Til.
A v es. P 1 a it . 8 5 .
FRANCO LINUS LEVA1LLANTII.
Aves. — Plate LXXXV. (Female.)
F. capite superne brunneo-rubro, plurais brunneo-flavo marginatis ; cervice pallide cinnamomea fasciis
nigro-brunneis albo maculatis tribus longitudinalibus variegata, quarum una inter nucham et intersca-
pulium; dorso nigro brunneo, griseo, flavo-auranteo, et rubro-aurantio variegato ; pectore ventreque pal-
lide rubro-aurantiis, subflavo strigato, plumis versus apicem nigro-brunneo-fasciolatis; tarsis pedibusque
oclireis ; rostro rubro-brunneo versus basin flavo ; oculis vivide rubro-aurantiis.
Longitudo e rostri apice ad basin caudae I t unc. 6 lin. ; cauda; 2 unc. 6 lin.
Pebdix Lf.vaillantii, Temm. PI. color, pi. 477.
Colour. — The front and upper parts of the head brownish red, the feathers
edged and tipped with brownish yellow. The neck light reddish orange,
rather bright, and variegated by three moderately broad liver-brown bands,
spotted with white ; one from the nape to the interscapular and widening as
it approaches the latter, the other two, one on each side, arise immediately
behind the base of the upper mandible, pass under the eyes, then take a
semicircular course and terminate in an expanded blotch, which is coloured
and variegated like themselves, and situated immediately in front of the breast.
Interscapulars and back varied liver-brown, dull pearl-grey, buff-orange,
and reddish orange ; the buff-orange is in the form of longitudinal stripes,
the reddish orange in narrow transverse lines, and the grey is chiefly disposed
towards the tips of the feathers. Breast and belly light reddish orange,
each feather with a longitudinal clear senna-yellow stripe, and semi-trans-
verse or oblique liver-brown bars near the tip, the latter is faintly tinted
with pearl-grey. The outer vanes of the primary and secondary quill
feathers, and a portion of their inner vanes towards the tips are deep reddish
orange, elsewhere dull brown, speckled with light reddish orange. Tail umber-
brown and crossed with narrow lines of clear buff-orange, each line edged
before and behind with liver-brown. Thighs pale brownish yellow, barred
with reddish brown. Legs and toes ochre-yellow. Claws brownish yellow,
shaded with reddish brown. Bill reddish brown, with the base of the lower
and the margin of the upper mandible near its cutting edge yellow. Eyes
bright reddish orange.
FRANCOLINUS LEYAILLANTII.
Form, &c.— Figure moderately robust. Head small. Bill long and
slightly arched, the upper mandible much longer than the lower, flattened
and spatulate towards the point, the latter obtuse and semicircular. Wings
rounded, and when folded reach a little beyond the base of the tail ; the
fourth, fifth, and sixth quill feathers longest, the second and third rather
s lorter, and the first a little shorter than the second. Tail rather short and
rounded at the point. Tarsi compressed and reticulated, the scales in front
large, those behind rather smaller, and what cover the sides the smallest.
oes moderately strong, with distinct rudimentary webs, the web between
the outer and middle toes well developed. Claws considerably curved rather
strong and blunt at the points.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
Length from the point of the bill to
the tip of the tail 14 g
of the bill to the angle of the
mouth 1 8
of the wings when folded . . 6 6
of the tail 2 6
Male. Colours nearly the same as
mens each sex has the tarsi armed with
found in either.
Inches. Lines.
Length of the tarsus 2 0
of the outer toe 0 1 ]
of the middle toe j ^
of the inner toe 0 g j
of the hinder toe n 01
those of the female. In some speci-
a spur, in others that appendage is not
, peC,mens of thls Francolin are found in many districts of the Cape Colony ; but the num-
bers are greatest towards the sea-coasts, and in the eastern parts of the settlement They
occur chiefly in open grassy plains ; and they seek their food, which consists in a great mea
sure of small bulbous roots, among the herbage. When they are disturbed in their favourite
ocalities, they generally seek concealment in whatever brushwood may exist in the neighbour
hood ; and when once they reach the cover it is no easy matter to get them again on the win.
They continue motionless even though the copse be beaten by dogs; and as they perch on
Wrer’1008’ ^ ^ rar6ly d'SC0Vered butby the huntcrs’ who look for them among the
This species manifests a considerable resemblance to Francolinus Gariepensis ; but when
he two are contrasted many marked differences are palpable. The arrangement and tints of
ie colours, if no better character existed, would even evince that they are not identical •
bu there are more palpable and ready diagnostics by which each is to be recognised. The
y o F.LemMantn is much longer and stronger than that of F. Gariepensis; the number
an distribution of bands on the neck are different, the tarsi are considerably longer the feel
larger, and the tail is shorter. S ’ he feet
ARDEA ATRICOLLiS. A. Adult. B. Young
fAves._Pla.te 86)
ARDEA ATRICOLLIS. — Female.
Aves.— Plate LXXXYI.
Capite, crista, cerviceque superne viridi-nigris ; gula guttureque surarao albis ; gutture infimo albo nigro-
striato ; interscapuliis nigro-purpureis viride nitentibus; pectore ventreque flavo-cinereis ; tarsis
pedibusque viridi-nigris ; niandibula superiore antice purpureo brunnea ; spatio nudo circa oculos
flavo ; niandibula inferiore antice brunnea, postice flava.
Longitudo e rostri apice ad basin caudse 35 unc. ; caudee 7 unc.
Audea Atkicollis, Wagler, Syst. Avium, pars prima.
Colour. — The upper and lateral parts of the head, the nape, the crest
feathers, and the sides and back of the neck deep black glossed with green,
the latter, particularly towards the interscapulars, lightest and faintly tinted
with grey. Interscapulars deep blackish purple, with a greenish gloss ; the
back rusty pearl-grey. Tail blackish purple, glossed with green. The lesser
wing coverts dark pearl-grey, tinged more or less with a rusty yellowish
brown ; the outer vanes of the primary and secondary quill coverts pearl-
grey, the inner vanes dark lavender-purple, fading towards the quills into
white. The outer vanes of the primary quill feathers a deep lavender-purple,
the inner vanes blackish purple tinted with brown, which towards the points
fades into lavender-purple ; the secondary quill feathers blackish purple
glossed with green ; the tertiaries deep lavender-purple ; the scapular
feathers deep lavender-purple, glossed with green. The chin, the upper parts
of the throat, and the sides of the neck pure white ; the middle of the throat
white, longitudinally streaked with black glossed with green ; lower parts of
the throat white, sparingly streaked with faint blackish lines ; the long feathers
pendent from the front and sides of the neck neai to the bieast pearl-grey, varie-
gated with yellowish grey, and some of them streaked with white. The breast,
belly, vent, and under tail coverts intermediate between pearl and yellowish
grey, the under tail coverts darkest. Thighs yellowish grey. The naked
ARDEA ATRICOLLIS.
portion of the tibia, the tarsi, toes, and claws, greenish black. The base of the
upper mandible, and the bare space before and behind each eye, gamboge-
yellow, the remainder of the mandible liver-brown ; the lower mandible towards
the tip reddish-brown, elsewhere light-yellow. Eyes gamboge-yellow.
Young.
The upper surface of the head and the back, and the sides of the neck,
pearl-grey, with more or less of a rusty tint ; the sides of the head pearl- grey,
tinted with greyish black; interscapulars pearl-grey, strongly tinted with
clove-brown, and glossed with green. The scapulars and lesser wing coverts
rusty pearl-grey ; the primary quill feathers coloured as in the adult, only the
tint not so vivid ; the outer vanes of all the secondaries edged with pearl-grey ;
edges of the shoulder and axilla white ; the outer vanes of the false wing
feathers greenish black, the inner ones pearl-grey. Chin, sides of neck
anteriorly, and throat rusty-white, the latter marked with a distinct longi-
tudinal stripe of light yellowish brown ; lower part of throat and breast
pale pearl-grey with a rusty tinge ; belly and vent yellowish white ; outer
sides of thighs pearl-grey tinted with yellowish grey. Bill and legs coloured
like those ot the adult, only the reddish-brown tint is more distinct.
Form, &c.— Figure rather robust, resembling that of the common heron
( Ardea major') ; head bushy and with two or three feathers, each about six
inches in length, hanging from the nape. Bill rather short, very strong,
and pointed, the lower mandible rather longer than the upper. Wings
rounded, and when folded, reach nearly to the tip of the tail, the second
quill feather rather the longest, the first, third, and fourth rather shorter
and equal, the remainder rather shorter, and not quite so long as the
secondaries; the tertiary quill-feathers about an inch and a half shorter
than the primaries. The scapulars nearest to the centre of the back
elongated, many of them extending considerably beyond the base of the
tail, and are narrow, pointed, and somewhat decomposed. The feathers of
the sides of the neck in front of the wings are long, pointed, and pendent
in front of the breast. Tail short and nearly equal, or only slightly rounded.
Tarsi and toes robust, the former reticulated with large scales, the latter
coated with transverse plates ; about an inch and a half of the lower part of
tibia bare and covered with small scales. Claws strong, slightly curved, and
pointed ; the outer and middle ones connected at the base by a distinct
rudimentary web ; the hinder claw the longest, strongest, and most curved.
ARDEA ATRICOLLIS.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
Length from the point of the bill to
the tip of the tail 35 0
of the bill to the angle of the
mouth 5 6
of the wings when folded 16 0
of the tail 7 0
Length of the tarsus ....
outer toe .
middle toe
inner toe .
hinder toe.
Male. — The exact colours not known.
Inches. Lines.
.. 5 10
..2 4
.. 2 10
..2 0
.. 1 3
This bird is seldom seen in South Africa, and all the specimens which came under
observation were procured on the western coast of the Colony, towaids the mc>ut 0 1 ®
Orange River. It builds its nest upon trees, and the only adult specimen I mysell obtained
was shot on leaving its nest, which was situated on the top of a tree immediately above one
of a bird of prey. The nest contained two young ones, and an addled egg ; the latter was
of a greenish white colour.
*
■f> 1 f cop 1 ^ 1'
=^ 1. ALAND A CODEA. r
~ 2. ALAND A L AGE PA. <>,{ **X;**h&$>
(Ares.. Plate 8 7.)
■I
LAU’/e W"<4 / <~D
ALAUDA CODEA.— Smith.
Aves. — Plate LXXXYII. Fig. 1. (Female.)
A. supra flavo-grisea brunneo-strigata ; gula guttureque albis ; pectore albo, brunneo-rubro-strigata ;
ventre rufo-albo ; superciliis albis ; rostro pedibusque aurantio-brunneis, brunneo-rubro-umbratis.
Longitudo b rostri apice ad basin caudse 3 unc. 9 lin. ; caudae 2 unc. 9 lm.
Colour. — The upper surface of the head, neck, and body rusty yellowish
grey, the head, neck, and interscapulars variegated with longitudinal
streaks of brownish red, washed or tinted with yellowish grey. Chin and
throat pure white ; breast white, mottled with spots or stripes of brownish
red ; belly rusty white, the flank tinted with pale brown ; thighs wood-brown.
Lesser wing coverts and primary and secondary quill coverts brownish red,
edged and tipped with white ; primary and secondary quill feathers the same
colour, the outer vanes of the primaries towards their base narrowly edged with
white, the secondaries edged externally and tipped with white ; tertiary quill
feathers umber-brown, edged and tipped with white. The two middle tail
feathers reddish brown, glossed with grey, the rest umber-brown, and all, but
particularly the external one of each side, edged and tipped with rusty white.
Under tail coverts white, streaked with brownish red. Eyebrows white ;
ear coverts intermediate between broccoli and light orange-coloured brown.
Bill legs, toes, and claws deep orange-coloured brown, shaded with brownish
red the lower mandible towards the base sienna-yellow.
Form &c. Figure rather slender : head rather small and towards nape
full of feathers. Bill moderately long, subconical, and nearly straight ; the
culmen towards the tip much arched, lower mandible towards the point slightly
curved. Wing rounded, and when folded reaches a little beyond the first
half of the tail ; the tertiary quill feathers rather longer than the secondaries,
and slightly shorter than the primaries, the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth
primary quill feathers equal and longest, the second a little shorter, and the
ALAUDA CODEA.
rst not quite half the length of the second. Tail even, or very slightly
rounded. Tarsi moderately strong, and anteriorly and posteriorly scutellated ;
toes rather short and slender ; the claws of front toes short, slightly curved'
and slender, the claw of hinder toe long, slender, and a little curved.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
Length from the point of the bill to
the tip of tail e 6
of the bill o 9
of the wings when folded . . 3 6
of the tail 2 9
Inches. Lines.
Length of the tarsus 1 o
of the outer toe 0 4
of the middle toe 0 5J
of the inner toe o 4
of the hinder toe 0 4
of the hinder claw 0 5
Male. The only male specimen of this species which I obtained in South
Africa had not attained to the adult plumage ; the grey of the upper parts was
strongly tinged with rufous, and the rump and upper tail coverts were almost
entirely of that tint ; the lower part of the throat was, like the breast, streaked
with brownish red, and the bill was considerably shorter than in adult females,
more conical, and the culmen towards the point less curved.
This species is sparingly scattered over the Western districts of the Cape Colony and is
generally found upon the Karroo plains between the Oliphant and Orange Rivers. The specimens
\ °bserVed Were ln locaIities thinIy furnished with low brushwood, and they rarely failed, when
they were disturbed in these situations, to fly to a distance, and then perch upon the summit
them*116 dWarf SlnUb’ fl0m WhenCC they might ensure a view of any person who might follow
The bill in adult specimens of this species has considerable similarity to that of the Certhi-
laudcc ; and were the nostrils not covered with recumbent wiry bristles, it would be difficult
to point out any very palpable character by which it could be distinguished from the bill of
a species of that subdivision.
ALAUDA LAGEPA.— Smith.
Aves. — Plate LXXXYII. Fig. 2. (Male.)
A. supra ferruginea, fusco-virgata ; infra alba, pectore fusco-strigato ; remigibus rectricibusque brunneis
rufo-marginatis ; superciliis albis ; rostro rubro-brunneo ; oculis brunneis ; pedibus flavo-brunneis
carneo-tinctis.
Longitudo e rostri apice ad basin caudae 3 unc. 4 lin. ; caudtc 3 unc.
Colour. — The upper surface of the head, neck, and back, intermediate
between brownish and reddish orange, and variegated with short streaks of
umber-brown, each feather having a stripe of that colour in the course of
the shaft, — the stripes of the head and interscapulars darkest and best
marked. The under parts white, streaked on the throat, breast, and flanks
with umber-brown, — the streaks largest and most numerous on the breast.
The lesser wing coverts anteriorly marked like the feathers of the back, the
hinder ones, together with the primary and secondary quill coverts, and the
tertiary quill feathers umber-brown edged, and tipped with sienna-yellow.
The primary and secondary quill feathers intermediate between broccoli and
umber-brown, the former towards the base and the latter throughout the whole
length of outer veins edged with reddish orange, towards the margin fading
into sienna-yellow. Tail feathers the same colour as the primary quill
feathers, the two outermost of each side darkest, almost umber-brown, the
two middle feathers have each vane edged with light reddish orange, the
remainder have only the outer vein narrowly edged with that colour. Under
tail coverts white, each with a clear reddish orange stripe in the course of the
shaft. Bill light reddish brown, the lower mandible towards base pale buff
orange. Eyes bright brown ; eyebrows rusty white. Legs and toes interme-
diate between broccoli and yellowish brown, and tinted with flesh-red ; claws
light reddish brown.
ALAUDA LAGEPA.
Form, &c. — Figure moderately robust. Head rather large ; bill elongated,
subconical, rather slender and pointed, the culmen slightly arched from the
base ; wings rounded, and when folded, reach to the commencement of the
second third of the tail, the fourth and fifth quill feathers equal and longest,
the third rather shorter than the fourth, the second shorter in a like propor-
tion to the third, the first about an inch in length ; the tertiary quill feathers
rather shorter than the primary ones, and slightly longer than the secondary
quill feathers. Tail even, or very slightly rounded. Tarsi and toes short, and
moderately strong, the former anteriorly and posteriorly scutellated ; claws of
front toes short, and slightly curved, claw of hinder toe elongated, slender,
and slightly arched.
Inches.
Length from the point of the bill to
the tip of the tail 6 6
of the bill 0 9
of the wings when folded ... 3 7J
of the tail 2 IO3
Inches. Lines.
Length of the tarsus 0 10^
of the outer toe 0 3
of the middle toe 0 5
of the inner toe 0 3
of the hinder toe 0 3
of the claw of hinder toe ... 0 4,1
DIMENSIONS.
Lines.
The colours of the female the same as those of the male only not so bright.
This species is thinly distributed between the Berg and Orange Rivers, close to the western
coast, and specimens are usually found on sandy or Karroo plains, which are sparingly covered
with brushwood. It whistles occasionally in the mornings, soars like true larks, and on
descending from its aerial flights, commonly perches on the shrub nearest to the point where it
descends. It consumes as food seeds and small insects.
1. MI RA.FRA. AFRICAN A.
2 MIR AFR A API C ANOIDE S
(Aves — -Plate 88 .)
MIRAFRA AFRICANA.— Smith.
Aves. — Plate LXXXVHI. Fig. 1.
M suprk fusca; capitis cervicisque plumis rubro-aurantio, dorsi plumis sordide albo griseove mar-
ginalia: guia. guttureque albis ; pectore pallide rubro-aurantio, maculis fusers vanegato; ventre
subflavo rubro-aurantio-tincto; remigibus primariis secondariisquc versus basin rubro-aurant.o-
marginatis ; rostro flavo-brunneo, castaneo-umbrato ; pedibus subflavis, carneo-tmctis.
Longitudo e rostri apice ad basin caudte 5 unc. 2 lin. ; caudse 2 unc. 4 lin.
Colour.— The upper surface of the head streaked liver-brown and clear
reddish orange, the edges of the feathers, particularly of those towards the
nape, being of the latter colour; back and sides of neck umber-brown, with
the edges of each feather either reddish orange or sienna-yellow. Back
liver-brown, the feathers edged broadly and tipped narrowly either with rusty
white or rusty grey,— the latter most abundant and distinct on the rump and
upper-tail coverts. Chin and commencement of throat white ; middle of
throat and sides of neck immediately behind ear-coverts white, mottled with
small, triangular, umber-brown spots. Breast anteriorly sienna-yellow, pos-
teriorly light reddish orange, and each feather is marked, in the course of
the shaft, with a narrow liver-brown stripe which expands towards the point
of the feather into an angular spot. Belly sienna-yellow, tinted with reddish
orauge ; the under tail coverts cream-yellow. The lesser wing coverts are
reddish orange towards the edges, greyish brown along the shaft ; the
primary quill coverts intermediate between orpiment and reddish orange, and
each is marked with a liver-brown line following the course of the shaft ;
the outer vanes of the secondary quill feathers are brownish grey edged with
rusty white, the inner vanes towards the shaft liver-brown, elsewhere colored
like the primary quill coverts. Primary quill feathers towards base reddish
orange, shaded with deep reddish orange, towards points intermediate
between broccoli and umber-brown ; secondaries coloured like the primaries,
and towards and at the tip edged with rusty white ; tertiary quill feathers
MIRAFRA AFRICANA.
pale orange-coloured brown, more or less shaded with dark liver-brown, and
each distinctly edged with white, the inner margin of which is bounded by
a dark liver-brown line. Tail intermediate between umber and broccoli-
brown, the outer vanes of the two lateral feathers of each side cream-yellow.
Eyebrows sienna-yellow ; eyes clear brown. Bill clear yellowish brown,
shaded with chesnut-brown. Legs, toes, and claws intermediate between
buff orange and flesh-red.
Form, &c.— Figure rather full. Head small; bill lengthened, subconical,
moderately strong, and the culmen towards tip slightly curved ; nostrils
uncovered. Wings rounded, and when folded, reach nearly to the middle
of the tail, the fifth quill feather rather the longest, the third and fourth
equal and scarcely shorter than the fifth, the second about three lines shorter
than the third, and the first not exceeding an inch in length ; the tertiary
and secondary quill feathers nearly of equal length, and about half an inch
shorter than the primaries. Tail slightly rounded. Legs and toes stout, the
former anteriorly and posteriorly scutellated ; claws of anterior toes, short,
rather strong, and slightly curved, claw of hinder toe long, slender, pointed,'
and slightly curved.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
Length from the point of the bill to
the tip of the tail 7 6
of the bill 0 10
of the wings when folded ... 3 9
of the tail 2 4
The colours in both sexes are the
brightest.
Inches. Lines .
Length of the tarsi ] .3
of the outer toe 0 3!
of the middle toe 0 6
of the inner toe 0 3^
of the hinder toe 0 3J
of the claw of hinder toe ... 0 6
same, — only those of the male are
„ This bird, as far as my experience goes, is principally confined to the Eastern districts of the
Cape Colony, and specimens are most readily procured upon the grassy plains which exist near
Algoa Bay, or between it and Graham’s Town. Over these flats it is thinly distributed, and
rarely are more than two individuals found together. It feeds upon seeds and small insects.
Ml KAFKA AFRICANOIDES.— Smith.
Aves. — Plate LXXXVIIL Fig. 2.
A. supra fusca, plumis rufo-marginatis, subtus rufo-alba, pectore parce fusco maculato; remigibus griseo-
fuscis versus basin ferrugineis ; cauda fusca, rectrice utriusque lateris extera albo-marginata , rostro
flavo-brunneo, brunneo-tincto ; pcdibus unguibusque pallide rubro-flavis.
Longitudo e rostri apice ad basin caudce 3 unc. 6 lin. ; caudce 2 unc. 6 lin.
Colour. — Head superiorly umber-brown, all the feathers edged and nai-
rowly tipped with a tint intermediate between reddish and orpiment-orange ,
back and sides of neck dirty pale umber-brown, each feather edged and tipped
with wood-brown ; the interscapulars and back dull umber-brown, the feathers
edged with light reddish orange ; rump and upper tail coverts greyish brown,
all the feathers narrowly edged with rusty white. The chin, throat, breast,
and belly rusty white, the sides of the breast and flanks tinted with reddish
orange, and the middle of the breast sparingly mottled with sub-triangular,
pale, umber-brown spots ; under tail coverts pure white. The lesser wing
coverts dull umber-brown, edged with reddish orange; the primary and
secondary quill coverts coloured the same, and towards the tips are edged with
sienna-yellow ; the primary, secondary, and tertiary quill feathers inter-
mediate between broccoli and umber-brown, excepting the outer vanes of all
but the two outermost towards their base, and the edges of the inner vanes
of all but the first primary quill feather, which are intermediate between
broccoli and orange-red ; the tertiaries edged and tipped with reddish orange,
which at their margin fade into wood-brown. Tail, excepting the two middle
feathers umber-brown edged with wood-brown, most distinct on the outer
vane of the outermost feather of each side, the two middle feathers inter-
mediate between broccoli and umber-brown. Eyebrows white ; eyes light
chesnut; ear coverts between orpiment and orange-red. Bill yellowish
brown, shaded on the culmen with brownish red. Tarsi and toes sienna-
yeliow, brightened with flesh-red.
MIRAFRA AFRICAN OIDES.
Form, &c.— Figure moderately stout. Bill conical, strong, and rather
elongated ; the nostrils uncovered. Wings rounded, and when folded, reach
to the last third of the tail, the third, fourth, and fifth quill feathers equal
and longest, the second a little shorter than the third, the first about an
inch and a half shorter than the second. Tail even, or slightly emarginate.
Legs and toes robust ; the tarsi anteriorly and posteriorly seutellated ; claws
of anterior toes short, rather strong, and slightly pointed ; the claw of hinder
toe slender, slightly curved, and pointed.
Inches.
Lines.
Inches.
Lines.
Length from the point of the bill to
Length of the tarsi
the tip of the tail
6
0
of the outer toe
H
of the bill
0
of the middle toe
H
of the wings when folded . . .
3
6
of the inner toe
n
of the tail
2
6
of the hinder toe
. . 0
2
of the claw of hinder toe .
. . 0
4
The female is coloured like the male, only the tints are less bright.
Specimens of this bird are occasionally to be procured to the south of the Orange River, but
most readily on the arid open plains which lie between that river and the tropic of Capricorn.
The colours of the primary and secondary quill feathers, and their distribution, are the same
in this and the last described species ; but in other respects the differences are palpable. The
present species, besides being considerably smaller than the last described, has longer wings
in proportion to its size, and a shorter, stronger, and more conical bill. The colours of the
under parts, as well as of the tertiary quill feathers and the outer vane of the outermost
feather of each side of the tail, are very different.
-4i. MIRA F RA SAB OTA
I -2-- IISAFRA CHE N IAN A.
^Aves Plate 8 9.)
MIRAFRA SABOTA.— Smith.
%
Aves.' — Plate LXXXIX, Fig. X- (Female.)
M. supra fusca, plumis forrugineo-marginatis ; infra rubro-alba, pectore lateribusque rubro-aurantio-
tinctis ; gutturis imo pectoreque fusco-conspersis ; alis fuscis, pennis rufo-marginatis ; rectricibus,
duabus mediis exceptis, profunde fuscis rufo-albo-marginatis, duabus mediis rubro-brunneis rubro-
aurantio-marginatis ; mandibula supcriore apiceque inferioris rubro-brunneis, hac versus basin
subflava ; pedibus subflavis carneo-tinctis.
Longitudo e rostri apice ad basin caudse 3 unc. 10 lin. ; caudee 2 unc. 3 lin.
Colour. — The feathers of the upper surface of the head, of the back
and sides of the neck towards the body, of the interscapular region, and of
the back and rump umber-brown, broadly edged and tipped with clear
reddish orange, fading at their margins into rusty white or pale wood-brown ;
the feathers of the back and sides of the neck, towards the nape, umber-
brown, narrowly edged and tipped with rusty white or cream yellow. The
chin, throat, breast and belly rusty white, the former and the flanks
tinted more or less strongly with reddish orange, and the breast, and
the lower part of the throat, mottled with umber-brown stripes ; thighs pale
reddish orange. The lesser wing coverts, the primary and secondary quill
coverts, and the tertiary quill feathers, umber-brown, broadly edged and
tipped with a colour intermediate between orpiment and reddish orange,
which tint, in many of the feathers, fades at the very edges into sienna-yellow
or rusty wood-brown ; the primary and secondary quill feathers intermediate
between broccoli and reddish brown, the primaries, towards the base and at the
point, narrowly edged externally with wood-brown, the secondaries edged
externally throughout and tipped with sienna-yellow or rusty white, the
inner vanes of both, towards the quills, pale pearl-grey. The two middle
tail feathers reddish brown, edged and tipped with rusty reddish orange, the
rest of the tail feathers umber-brown, narrowly edged and tipped with wood-
mirafra sabota.
brown, the edging of the outermost feathering of each side broadest, and of
a rusty tint. Eyebrows and under eyelids pale cream-yellow ; ear coverts
dull reddish orange, tinged with reddish brown. Bill, upper mandible and
tip of lower, light reddish brown, rest of lower sienna-yellow. Legs, toes,
and claws sienna-yellow, tinted with flesh-red ; claws faintly shaded with
light reddish brown.
Form, &c.— Figure moderately robust. Head small ; bill moderately long
and subconical, the culmen considerably curved towards the tip. Wings
rounded, and when folded reach to the commencement of the second half of
the tail, third, fourth, and fifth quill feathers nearly equal and longest, second
a little shorter than the third, the first rudimentary' 5 the tertiary quill feathers
nearly as long as the primaries, and longer than the secondaries. Tail even,
or in the slightest degree rounded. Tarsi and toes robust, the latter anteriorly
and posteriorly scutellated ; daws of the front toes short, strong, and slightly
curved ; claw of the hinder toe long, rather slender, and slightly curved.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
Length from the point of the bill to
the tip of the tail 6 1
of the hill 0 71
of the wings when folded ... 3 3
of the tail 2 3
The male is coloured like the female.
Inches. Lines.
Length of the tarsus 1 q
of the outer toe 0 31
of the middle toe 0 5^
of the inner toe 0 31
of the hinder toe 0 3
of the hinder claw 0 31
only the tints are clearer.
This lark was procured on the arid Karroo plains north of Latakoo, and was found in
tolerable abundance towards the tropic of Capricorn. It was generally observed in localities
abounding with small shrubs, on which it was frequently observed to perch, particularly in
the early part of the morning, when it was in the habit of practising, like its congeners, vertical
flights into the air. It whistles occasionally, especially when perched upon the underwood ;
but there is nothing in its note to attract attention.
This species, in point of size, resembles Mirafra Africanoides, but is readily distinguished
from it by its not having the quill feathers broadly edged with reddish orange.
MIRAFRA CHENIANA.— (Male.)
Ayes. Plate LXXXIX. Fig. 1
M. supra fusca, plumis rufo-albo-marginatis ; infra rufo-alba, gutturis irrio pootoreqne fusco notatis ;
remigibus rubro-aurantio-marginatis; rectricibus duabus externis rufo-albis, fusco-variegatis ; rostro
supra brunneo-rubro, subtus subiiavo ; pedibus subflavis carneo-tinctis.
Longittjdo e rostri apice ad basin caudae 3 unc. 4f lin. ; caudae 1 unc. 11^ lin.
Colour. — Male. — The upper surface of the head intermediate between
liver and umber-brown, all the feathers edged with rufous white ; back and
sides of neck dull umber-brown, each feather edged either with rusty white
or wood-brown ; interscapulars, back, and rump umber-brown, the feathers
edged and tipped with greyish white, tinted with pale reddish orange. Chin
and throat white, speckled with umber-brown ; breast and flanks pale reddish
orange, the former variegated with short umber-brown stripes ; middle of belly
and vent cream-yellow ; under tail coverts white. The lesser wing coverts,
the primary and secondary quill coverts, and the tertiary quill feathers
umber-brown, edged and tipped with a colour intermediate between orpiment
and reddish orange, the very tips of the feathers nearly pure white ; primary
and secondary quill feathers intermediate between reddish and broccoli-
brown, — the outer vanes of the primaries towards the base and the whole
length of the secondary edged like the quill coverts, and all more or less
completely tipped with white ; the inner edges of inner vanes towards base
light cream-yellow. The two middle tail feathers the colour of the primary
quill feathers, narrowly edged with rusty white, the three next on each side
umber-brown, the outermost one distinctly edged with white ; the two outer-
most of each side white, with more or less of the inner edges of inner vanes
umber-brown. Eyebrows sienna-yellow ; ear coverts pale reddish orange,
tinted with umber-brown. The upper mandible deep brownish red, lower
mandible sienna-yellow. Legs, toes, and claws pale buff orange, tinged with
flesh-red.
MIRAFRA CHENIANA.
Form, &c. — Figure rather robust. Head small ; bill short, stout, conical,
and pointed, the culmen arched from the base. Wings rounded, and when
folded reach beyond the commencement of the second third of the tail, the
third, fourth, and fifth quill feathers equal and longest, the second slightly
shorter, and the first rudimentary ; the tertiary quill feathers nearly as long
as the primaries, and rather longer than the secondaries. Tail even, or very
slightly rounded. Tarsi short and rather strong, anteriorly and posteriorly
scutellated ; toes moderately long and rather slender ; the claws of the fore
toes short, slender, and slightly curved, the claw of the hinder toe rather
long, strong, and nearly straight.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches.
Lines.
Inches.
Lines.
from the point of the bill to
Length of the tarsus
. . 0
9
the tip of the tail
5
4
of the outer toe
of the hill
0
5
of the middle toe
5
of the wings when folded . . .
2
10
of the inner toe
. . 0
H
1
111
of the hinder toe
. . 0
3
of the claw of hinder toe
. . 0
4
A second adult specimen of this species was obtained, but its sex was not
recorded. In size it was rather superior to the male specimen just described,
and the feathers of the upper parts are broadly edged with a colour
intermediate between orpiment and reddish orange ; the latter colour on the
breast is also much darker ; in other respects the two are similar.
Only a few individuals of this species were seen, and those upon the extensive grassy plains
to the northward and eastward of Latakoo. It is a species which seems to prefer situations
which abound in long and rank grass, among which it runs like the quail, and flies like it
when disturbed to a short distance, and then suddenly descends, after which it cannot again be
got to take wing unless by the aid of dogs. It feeds upon seeds and small insects.
1. CERTHIL ATT DA AFRICAN A. .
2- CEETHILA.UDA SUB C OR ON AT A
(Ayes i’late90.)
CERTHILAUDA AFRICANA.
Aves. — Plate XC. Fig. 1. (Male.)
C. supra griseo-brunnea, pennis griseo-albo aut rufo-albo-marginatis ; subtus alba, gutture imo pec-
toreque brunneo-conspersis ; remigibus flavo-brunneis, externe flavo-marginatis ; rectricibus griseo-
brunneis externe rufo-albo-marginatis ; rostro flavo-brunneo, brunneo-umbrato ; pedibus subflavis
carneo-tinctis ; unguibus flavo-brunneis, brunneo-tinctis.
Longitudo e rostri apice ad basin caudte 5 unc. ; caudse 3 unc. 3 lin.
Alauda Africana, Yieill. Encyclop. Method.
L’Alotitete Serli, Le Vaillant Ois. d’Afriq., pi. 192.
Colour. — The upper surface of the head between umber and liver-brown,
the feathers all edged and tipped with pale wood-brown. The back and sides
of neck dirty pale umber-brown, the feathers edged and tipped with wood-
brown. The interscapulars, back, rump, and upper tail coverts liver-brown,
the feathers edged with pale reddish orange, and tipped with white. The
under parts pure white, with the lower portion of the throat, the flanks and
the breast variegated with short, broad umber-brown streaks, and the belly,
and under tail coverts, with lengthened narrow umber-brown lines ; thighs
rusty white. The lesser wing coverts and the primary and secondary quill
coverts umber-brown, edged and tipped with white ; primary and secondary
quill feathers shining yellowish brown, the outer vanes particularly towards
the quills very narrowly edged with white ; tertiary quill feathers a greyish
liver- brown, edged and tipped with wood-brown. Tail umber-brown, glossed
with grey, and the outer vanes, particularly of the two external feathers of
each side, edged and tipped with white, the grey strongest on the two middle
feathers. Eyebrows white ; eyes dark brown ; bill yellowish brown, shaded
with umber-brown ; legs and toes clear bufl-orange, tinted with flesh-red ;
claws yellowish brown, shaded with umber-brown.
Form, &c.— Figure rather robust. Head small ; bill long and slightly
arched, — the arch greatest towards the point ; wings rounded, and when
folded, reach to the commencement of the second half of the tail, the third
CERTIIILAUDA AFRICAN A.
quill feathers the longest, the fourth slightly shorter than the third, the
fifth rather shorter than the fourth, the second considerably shorter than the
fifth, and the first not half the length of the second. Tail even, or very
slightly emarginate. Tarsi and toes robust, the former anteriorly and pos-
teriorly scutellated ; claws of fore toes rather slender, short, and curved, the
claw of hinder toe very long, strong, and nearly straight,
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
Length from the point of the bill to
the tip of the tail 8 3
of the bill 1 3
of the wings when folded ... 4 3
of the tail 3 3
The female is coloured like the male.
Inches. Lines.
Length of the tarsus 1 3
of the outer toe 0 4
of the middle toe 0 7
of the inner toe 0 4^
of the hinder toe 0 4
of the claw of hinder toe ... 0 6
Specimens of this species abound in the immediate vicinity of Cape Town, and are partial to
localities whose soil is loose and sandy. They seek their food among the brushwood with which
the parts they inhabit are generally more or less covered ; and when not so occupied, are fond
of resting upon small hillocks, or even upon the tops of shrubs. According to Le Vaillant,
this bird lays from three to five eggs, of a dirty grey colour, dotted with fulvous, and makes
its nest on the ground at the base of a bush, constructing it of dry herbs, and lining it with
feathers.
CERTHILAUDA SUBCORONATA.— Smith.
Aves. — Plate XC. — Fig. 2.
C. supra rufa, brunneo-strigata ; infra rufo-alba ; gula, gutture, pectore, ventre antice lateribusque fusco-
virgatis ; remigibus rectricibusque griseo-brunneis, flavo-brunneo-marginatis ; palpebris rufo-albis,
elongatis usque ad nucham ; pedibus rubro-flavis, carneo-tinctis ; rostro brunneo, rubro-fusco
umbrato.
Longitudo e rostri apice ad basin caudse 5 unc. 4 lin.; caudre 3 unc. 2 lin.
Colour.— The upper surface of the head, the interscapulars, and the back
intermediate between orpiment and reddish orange, and profusely mottled oi
streaked with liver-brown, the central portion of each feather being of the
latter colour ; the back and sides of the neck dull wood-brown, variegated with
umber-brown spots. The lesser wing coverts pale orange-coloured brown,
with a liver-brown line in the course of the shaft, and tipped with white.
The primary and secondary quill coverts, and the primary, secondary, and
tertiary quill feathers greyish brown, the quill coverts narrowly edged with
pale yellowish brown, and tipped with white ; the primary quill feathers
narrowly edged and tipped with light yellowish brown, the secondaries
edged with rusty white and tipped with pure white, and the tertiaries edged
and tipped with wood-brown. Chin and throat white, finely mottled with
short dull, umber-brown streaks ; breast, anterior part of belly and flanks
dull sienna-yellow, variegated with narrow umber-brown streaks arranged in
irregular rows; hinder portion of belly, vent and under-tail coverts rusty
white the latter each with a yellowish brown streak in the course of the
shaft Tail feathers greyish brown edged and rather broadly tipped with
sienna-yellow, in some places tinted with Dutch-orange. Eyebrows rusty
white, and prolonged so as nearly to meet on the nape. Legs and toes pale
buff-orange with a flesh tint. Bill light brownish red, shaded with umber-
brown. Eyes chesnut-brown.
CERTIIILAUDA SUBCORONATA.
Form, &c. — Figure rather slender. Head small, and above very flat. Bill
subtriangular towards the base, and slightly convex on the sides towards the
point; the culmen is slightly curved from the base to the point, and the
lower mandible is also arched in the same proportion ; point of bill rather
flat and subacute. Wings rounded, and when folded reach beyond the com-
mencement of the second third of the tail, the third quill feather the longest,
the second, fourth and fifth equal, and rather shorter, the first about half the
length of the second. Tail square or very slightly rounded. Tarsi robust,
and anteriorly and posteriorly scutellated : toes strong, moderately long, the
hinder one shortest. Claws of the toes directed forwards, slender, pointed
and slightly arched, the claw of the hinder toe long, strong, straight and
pointed.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
Length from the point of the bill to
the tip of the tail 8 6
of the bill 1 4
of the wings when folded ... 4 6
of the tail 3 2
Inches.
Length of the tarsus 1
of the outer toe 0
of the middle toe 0
of the inner toe 0
of the hinder toe 0
of the claw of hinder toe ... 0
Lines.
4
4 ^
H
5
3
nl
> a
The differences of colour in the sexes (if any exist) are not known to me.
The few specimens of this species which have come under my observation, were procured
from the arid Karroo plains of the middle and eastern districts of the Cape Colony. On
examining them I was at first disposed to regard them as a variety of Certhilauda Africana ;
but on perceiving the extension of the eyebrows, the greater length of the bill, and its more
falciform shape, I began to suspect them to belong to a distinct species ; and when all the
differences between them and the common species were noted and considered, I came to the
conclusion to view them as being specifically different.
AR.DEA GUTTURAL IS
( Ayes Plate 91 ,)
ARDEA (ARDEOLA) GUTTURALIS.— Smith.
Aves. — PLATE XCI. (Male.)
supra nigro-purpurea viride-kevigata ; gd& guttureque rufo-albis late nigro-brunneo-lmeat.s ; pectore
regioncque ante alas subochreis, nigro-brunneo-virgatis; ventre brunneo-flavo mgro-bmnneo-
virgato ; rostro subviride-fusco umbrato ; tarsis antice flavo-virescentibus, posticfe ochreis ; oculis
brunneo-aurantiis.
Cancropiiagus gtitturalis, Smith , Rep. of Exped. App. page 57.
Colour.— The upper and lateral parts of the head, neck, and body, also
the wings and tail pale blackish purple, and all, except the quill feathers,
distinctly glossed with green; the primary and secondary quill coverts narrowly
tipped with white. Chin and throat dirty white, and variegated with large
blackish-brown stripes so arranged as to form three more or less distinct
longitudinal lines; the breast and sides of neck immediately in front of
shoulders sienna-yellow, blotched with brownish black stripes; belly yellowish
brown, variegated with lengthened longitudinal blackish brown stripes ;
flanks the same colour as the back. Eyes brownish orange. Base of upper
mandible and most of lower mandible oil-green ; the remaining parts dull
umber-brown. Tarsi anteriorly oil-green, posteriorly ochre-yellow ; toes
ochre-yellow, tinged with oil-green.
Form &c.- — Figure rather slender. Feathers of neck rather long, wiry,
and decomposed; sides of head in front of eyes bare; bill rather compressed,
conical, and pointed. Wings inclined to pointed, and when folded reach
nearly to the tip of the tail ; the tertiary quill feathers nearly as long as the
imaries, the qrst and second primary quill feathers equal and longest, the
third rather shorter. Tail short, and slightly rounded. Tarsi rather short,
anteriorly scutellated, posteriorly coated with several series of small scales ;
toes long, and moderately strong ; claws rather strong, slightly curved, and
ARDEA (ARDEOLA) GUTTURALIS.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
Length from the point of the bill to
the tip of the tail
of the bill
of the wings when folded . . .
of the tail
Length of the tarsus . . .
of the outer toe .
of the middle toe
of the inner toe .
of the hinder toe
Inches.
Lines.
The colours of the female not known.
lhis little Heron is seldom procured, and I doubt if more than two specimens have yet fallen
into the hands of the Naturalist. One of the two was shot near to Cape Town, and the other
was procured during the movements of the Expedition party between the principal branches of
the Orange River. Both were discovered near marshy grounds, and the one which was
procured in the locality last stated was shot while perched upon the top of a dwarf tree. The
remains of crustacece were found in its stomach.
FALCO RUPI COLO IDES
(Aves. Plate 92)
FALCO RUPICOLOIDES. — Smith.
Aves.— Plate XCII. (Female.)
F. subrufus, lineis fasciisquc brunneis variegatus, fasciis postice acuminatis; gula guttereque rufo-albis ;
cauda alterne albo brunneoque fasciata; oculis brunneis; pedibus viridi-flavis ; unguibus corneis;
maxilla livido-viride ; mandibula versus basin flava.
Longitddo b rostri apice ad basin caudse 1 0 unc. ; caudas 7 unc.
Falco Rupicoloides, Smith , South African Quarterly Journal, vol. i. p. 238, 1830.
Colour— The upper parts of the head and neck, the interscapulars,
the back, the breast, and the belly, have a ground tint intermediate be-
tween light-tile red and buff-orange, the shade deepest on the upper
parts of the head, the back and sides of the neck, the back and the
belly. In these several regions, however, the ground colour is broken
by umber-brown variegations, in the form of narrow longitudinal stripes
on the head, the back and sides of the neck, the breast, and the flanks ;
and of transverse bars on the back, the belly, the shoulders, the scapulars,
and the quill coverts. On the back, shoulders, and belly, the bars amount
to two or three on each feather, and many of them posteriorly exhibit a
single fine prolongation following the course of the vane. The longitudinal
stripes, where they occur, are one along the middle of each feather. The
primary and secondary quill feathers are deep umber-brown, the inner vanes
barred with reddish orange, which fade into white towards their inner
edge. Upper tail coverts umber-brown, barred with white ; under tail-
coverts nearly white. Tail barred, alternately rusty white and umber-brown,
with a greyish gloss, the dark bars widest, the light-coloured bars of the
two centre feathers are strongly tinted with rufous ; the tips of all the tail
feathers are white. The sides of the head behind the eyes, the chin, the
FALCO RUPICOLOIDES.
throat, and the thighs pale buff orange, and almost destitute of variegations.
Legs and toes yellow with a faint greenish tint. Upper mandible livid
green towards base, towards tip umber-brown; lower mandible yellow,
towards base, livid-green towards tip, cere-yellow. Eyes brown. Claws a
dark horn colour.
Form, &c. — Figure robust; head rather small, culmen arched from the
base ; the point of the upper mandible acute; tooth triangular, and well
developed; the cutting edge of upper mandible posterior to tootli slightly
waved ; cere small ; nostrils circular and open. Wings long, pointed, and
when folded reach very nearly to the tip of the tail ; the second quill feather
the longest, the third rather shorter, the first and fourth equal and about an
inch shorter than the second. Tertiary and secondary quill-feathers nearly
of equal length, and much shorter than the primaries. Tail slightly rounded.
Tarsi and toes moderately strong, the former coated anteriorly with rather
large umbricate scales, posteriorly with small ones ; the middle toe consi-
derably longer than the lateral toes ; claws long, slender, much curved, and
pointed.
Inches. Lines.
. 1 10
.. 0 94
. 1 2
. 0 10
• 0 G4
Male. — The colours the same as those of the female, only clearer and
deeper.
Specimens of this bird have occasionally been procured in the neighbourhood of Cape Town,
but they are only to be obtained in abundance on the west coast of the Colony, towards the
mouth of the Orange River, and in the interior of the country to the northward of that stream.
In the districts in which it is common it seems to take the place of Falco Rupicolus, so common
in the Colony, at least according to my observations ; the last named is rarely observed
where Falco Rupicoloidcs is common. Both species are in the habit of resting upon trees, but
there is a marked difference in the practice of the two ; Falco Rupicolus seems to prefer rocks
to trees as a resting-place, while Falco Rupicoloides never perches on rocks. Both species
build their nest on trees, and both subsist on the same kind of food.
Inches.
Length from the tip of the bill to the
base of the tail 10
of the tail 7
of the bill to the angle of the
mouth 0
of the wings when folded II
DIMENSIONS.
Lines.
0
0
11
Length of the tarsus.
of the outer toe...
of the middle toe
of the inner toe...
of the hinder toe
AC Cl P I T E R K V F T VE N T R I 3 . (V&H Maks C Female)
(Aves_ Plate. 95)
ACCIPITER RUFIVENTRIS.— Smith.
Aves.— Plate XCIII— (Male and Female.)
A. superne brunneus griseo-tinctus ; infra rufo alboque nebulatus ; plumis scapularibus albo-
maculatis ; rcctricibus interne versus basin albo, brunneoque variatis ; cauda, alterne pallide rufo
brunneoque fasciata ; pedibus viridi-flavis ; oculis flavis.
LoNGiTuno 13 unc. 2 lin.
Pem, — A. superne brunneus, griseo-tinctus ; infra albus strigis longitudinalibus, fasciolisque transversis
variegatis.
Longitudo 17 unc. 2 lin.
Accipiter Rufiventris, Smith, South African Quart. Journal, Yob i. p. 231, 1830.
Falco Exilis, Temm. Planch color, 496.
Colour. — Male. — The upper parts of the head and neck, the intersca-
pulars, the back, the upper tail coverts, and lesser wing coverts of a tint
intermediate between brocoli-brown and brownish red, all faintly glossed
with lavender purple, the gloss most distinct on the head, neck, and intersca-
pulars ; the lesser wing coverts are narrowly edged with pale reddish orange.
Ear coverts, lower portion of throat, breast, belly, vent, and thighs, mottled
rusty reddish orange and white, and each of the breast feathers has a narrow
brown line in the course of the shaft, and indistinct narrow brown bars on
the vanes ; upper portion of throat and sides of neck behind and below ear
coverts white. Primary and secondary quill feathers brownish red, the
inner vanes towards quills barred-white and liver-brown, towards tips with
liver-brown only ; the scapulars and tertiary quill feathers marked with
incomplete white bars in the form of broad irregular blotches, portions of
which become visible when the feathers are deranged. Tail above barred,
alternately rusty brocoli-brown and liver-brown, the bars of the latter colour
six in number ; the tips of all the feathers rusty white ; under tail coverts
white. Tarsi and toes greenish yellow ; claws brownish red. Bill, — upper
ACCIPITER RUFIVENTRIS.
mandible towards base a light horn colour, towards and at tip liver-brown,
its edge below and in front of nostrils greenish yellow ; lower mandible
below and at base greenish yellow, — elsewhere liver-brown. Cere greenish
yellow. Eyes bright yellow.
Female. — Upper parts, wings, under tail coverts, and tail, coloured as in
the male. Sides of neck, lower portion of throat, breast, belly, vent, and
thighs white ; each of the feathers of the sides of the neck marked with
a narrow longitudinal brown line, those of the breast, belly, vent, and
thighs with a similar line, and besides with several narrow waved yellowish
brown bars, irregularly edged with brownish red. The colours of the tarsi,
toes, claws, bill, cere, and eyes, as in the male.
Form, &c. — Figure moderately slender and like that of the Sparrow Hawk
{Accipiter Nisus) of Europe. Upper mandible strongly hooked, nostrils oblong
and suboval, bristles at angles of mouth many and rigid. Wings when folded
reach nearly to the middle of the tail, the fourth quill feathers the longest,
the fifth nearly of equal length, the third slightly shorter and rather longer
than the sixth, the second and seventh nearly equal, and about an inch
shorter than the third, the first about half the length of the fourth. Tail
nearly even, or only very slightly rounded. Tarsi long and slender, anteriorly
scutellated, posteriorly reticulated. Toes long and rather slender, the inner
one much the shortest, the outer and middle ones connected at base by a well
developed membranous web. Claws long, slender, considerably curved, and
sharp pointed.
DIMENSIONS.
Male. Female.
In. Ls. In. Ls.
Length from the point of the
bill to the base of the
tail 7 0 8 6
of the bill to the angle of
the mouth... 0 8 0 10
of the wings when folded 8 0 8 8
of tail 6 2 7 4
Male.
Female.
In.
Ls.
In.
Ls.
Length of the tarsus
i
9
2
0
of the outer toe
0
10
0
11
of the middle toe ....
1
4
1
H
of the inner toe
0
7
0
n
of the hinder toe . . .
0
6
0
The individual represented in the plate and lettered C, is of the same
species but of a different age from the other two. The character of its
colouring would indicate it as the adult bird, and if such be the case, the
others must be regarded as not exhibiting the mature plumage. It is of the
ACCIPITER RUFIVENTRIS.
same size and figure as the male, lettered A, and already described ; the
colours are as follow : —
The upper parts, comprising the head, neck, interscapular, back, upper
tail coverts, and lesser wing coverts, intermediate between brownish red and
lavender-purple, to which is superadded a distinct gloss of the lattei , the
shoulder feathers are faintly edged with pearl-grey. The quill and scapular
feathers coloured as in the specimens already described. The bars of the
tail, so far as the numbers are concerned, are also similar, but the light
coloured ones have superiorly a greyer tint, and the portion of shaft between
them is of a clearer white. The ear coverts, sides of the neck, lower part of
the throat, breast, belly, and thighs, clear reddish orange, without variega-
tions ; upper parts of throat yellowish white ; under tail coverts pure white.
Colour of legs, toes, claws, bill, and eyes, as in the specimens described.
This species occurs, though sparingly, in all parts of the Colony, and specimens are
not uncommon near to Cape Town and towards the sources of the Great Fish river. It
resembles in its habits the common Sparrow Hawk, and its chief food consists of small
quadrupeds and birds. The majority of the specimens which I have had the opportunity of
examining, exhibited the colours of the specimen lettered C.
T E L 0 PH ON U S T RI VI R GAT U S (female)
(Aves .Plate 94)
TELOPHONUS TRIVIRGATUS. — Smith.
Aves. — Plate XCIV. (Female.)
T. superne olivaceus flavo-brunneo tinctus, inferne subochreus griseo tinctus ; superciliis flavo-albis, striga
nigrh superne inferneque marginatis ; humeris, remigibus primariis, secundariisque externe cinnam-
omeis ; cauda graduate, rectricibus nigris albo-terminatis.
Longitudo e rostri apice ad basin caudce 3 unc., 6 lin. ; caudee 4 unc.
Colour. — Above light hair-brown tinged with yellowish brown, the colour
darkest on the top of the head and upper parts of the neck ; sides of head
below eyes yellowish grey dulled with brown ; eyebrows cream-yellow
margined superiorly and inferiorly with deep shining black. Under parts
wood-brown, darkest towards the tail, the upper parts of the throat nearly
white ; shoulders, quill coverts, and outer vanes of primary and secondary
quill feathers, reddish orange dulled with brown ; tertiary quill feathers and
inner vanes of primaries and secondaries brownish red ; the tertiaries nar-
rowly edged with pale reddish orange. Tail feathers black, broadly tipped
with white* ; upper tail coverts light sienna-yellow. Bill, — upper mandi-
ble pale orange coloured brown shaded with brownish red ; lower mandible
wine-yellow with a flesh coloured tint. Tarsi and toes pale brownish red,
and each of their scuta margined inferiorly with livid wine-yellow. Claws,
wood-brown, shaded with brownish red. Eyes deep reddish brown.
Form, &c. — Figure rather slender ; feathers generally soft and silky.
Bill short, strongly compressed, and the upper mandible moderately hooked
at the point ; the tooth slightly developed ; culmen rather rounded and arched
from the base which enters deeply between the feathers of forehead. Lower
* The two middle tail feathers in the specimen described are wanting, hence their colour cannot be
particularized.
TELOPHONUS TRIYIRGATUS.
mandible pointed and towards the tip inclined obliquely upwards, its lower
edged slightly arched ; a few strong rigid bristles at the angle of the mouth.
Wings roundish, very short, and when folded reach but a very short way
beyond the base of the tail, the fourth, fifth, and sixth quill feathers longest
and nearly equal, the third and seventh equal and slightly shorter, the second
considerably shorter, and about the length of the secondaries, the first much
shorter than the second. Tail long and graduated, and the feathers some-
what pointed. Tarsi short and moderately strong, anteriorly scutellated,
posteriorly entire. Toes rather slender and free, the outer slightly longer
than the inner one, and both considerably shorter than the middle one ;
hinder toe short and strong. Claws of anterior toes rather slender, pointed,
and slightly curved ; claw of hinder toe long, strong and much curved.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches.
Lines.
Inches.
Lines.
Length from the point of the bill to
Length of the tarsus
0
the base of the tail
3
6
of the outer toe ....
5
of the tail
4
0
of the middle toe . . .
.... 0
6i
of the bill to the angle of the
of the inner toe ... .
.... 0
mouth
0
n
of the hinder toe . . .
0
H
of the wings when folded ... 3 0
Male. — Colours not known.
The only specimen of this species which I have seen was shot to the northward and east-
ward of Kurrichane between 24° and 25° south latitude. During the time which elapsed from
its being observed till it was killed, it flitted about with great celerity from twig to twig, and
from bush to bush, but manifested no inclination or intention of leaving the dense thicket in
which it was discovered. Its food was found to have consisted of insects, and in that respect
as well as in its manners generally, it had a marked resemblance to T. erythropterus and
longirostris, the two species of the genus which are not uncommon in certain districts of the
Cape colony.
A M AD 1 NA SQU AM I F RON S .
(Ares, Plate 35.)
AMADINA SQUAMIFRONS.— Smith.
Aves. — Plate XCV. (Female.)
A. capite antice, tectricibus primariis et secundariis, remigibus, rectricibusque nigris albo-marginatis ;
loris, gula lineisque duabus e mandibulee base nigris ; collo superne dorsoqu& pallide griseo-
brunnois ; partibus inferioribus albis.
Longitddo ab apicd rostri ad basin caudse 2 unc. 6 lin. ; caudae 1 unc. 9 lin.
Colour. — The feathers of the forehead and top of the head, the quill
coverts, the tertiary quill feathers, and the tail feathers, liver-brown, margined
with clear white ; the sides of the head behind the eyes, the back and sides
of the neck, the back and the upper tail coverts, intermediate between
broccoli and wood-brown ; lores, space between rami of lower mandible, and
a stripe on each side of throat from base of bill liver-brown, the latter
separated from the light colour of the side of head by a clear white
stripe ; throat, and under parts, dusky white. Legs and toes light yellowish
brown. Bill, light greenish yellow. Eyes dark brown.
Form, &c. — Figure rather slender. Head small ; bill conical and pointed,
the upper mandible entering deeply between the feathers of the forehead.
Wings rounded, and when folded reach to the last third of the tail, the
third and fourth quill feathers equal and longest, the second slightly shorter,
the first rudimentary. Tail rather long and slightly rounded. Tarsi short
and rather slender, anteriorly scutellated, posteriorly entire. Claws slender,
considerably curved and pointed.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches.
Lines. ,
Inches.
Lines.
Length from the point of the bill to
Length of the tarsus
H
the base of the tail
2
6
of the outer toe . . .
0
2*
of the bill from the angle of
of the middle toe .
H
the mouth
0
5
of the inner toe . . .
0
91
of the wings when folded . . .
2
5
of the hinder toe . .
0
21
of the tail
1
9
AMAD^IA SQUAMIFORMIS.
Male. — Colours similar to those of the female, only rather clearer and
brighter.
This bird is frequently found to the northward of Latakoo, but rarely to the southward ;
and the only specimens I have seen from the latter were obtained towards the sources of the Great
Fish River. It is generally observed among brushwood, especially in the vicinity of streams
or cultivated grounds. In a few instances I have observed several individuals associated
together, but more generally only two or three are found in the same locality. It feeds upon
seeds, constructs its nest of grass, and builds it on a small shrub.
I
TLA.’VIRO S T'RI 5 .
Aves. Plate y6-
*. -i
v***>^* ...
■ ; .' .
A.NAS
ANAS FLAVIROSTRIS.- Smith.
Aves. — Plate XCVI. (Male.)
A. superne brunneus, plumis albo-marginatis ; inferne rufo-albus lunulis brunneis variegatus ; alarum
speculo viridi-splendente antice, postice interneque nigro, marginato ; rostro superne flavo, maculo
oblongo nigro-brunnco e fronte usque ad apicem ; pedibus rubro-brunneis.
Longitudo e rostri apice ad basin caudsc 19 unc. 6 lin. ; caudee 4 unc.
Anas flavirostris, Smith, Eyton’s Monograph on the Anatidee, p. 141, Lond. 1838.
Colour. — The upper surface of the head and the lores deep umber-brown
freckled with short and fine longitudinal dull white lines arising from each
feather being narrowly edged and tipped with that colour ; sides of head and
neck dull broccoli-brown, finely streaked with dirty white ; interscapulars,
scapulars, back, and upper tail coverts intermediate between umber-brown
and brownish red, each feather broadly margined with dirty white ; breast,
belly, and under tail coverts mottled brown and dirty white. The brown is
nearly of the same tint as that of the back, and is the predominating colour
of each feather, the white existing only at the edges and in the form of an
angular and incomplete bar about midway between the base and apex of
each. Shoulder feathers and secondary quill coverts greyish brown, a part of
the former narrowly edged with pale broccoli-brown, the other part with dull
white ; the secondary quill coverts are tipped with velvet black, behind which
each has a narrow bar of white. Primary quill coverts reddish brown, faintly
edged exteriorly and tipped with greyish white. Primary quill feathers light
brownish red, tinted with grey, the outer vanes darkest and narrowly edged
with yellowish white ; shafts deep brownish red. Secondary quill feathers
brownish red, broadly tipped with white, and behind the white each has a
broad bar of velvet black, the outer vanes from near the quills to the last men-
tioned bar are a brilliant shining duck green. The innermost of the secondary
and the outermost of the tertiary quill feathers have the outer vanes velvet-
black, so that three sides of the wing-speculum are bounded with that colour;
the rest of the tertiaries are of the same colour as the back and are narrowly
edged with dirty white. Tail intermediate between umber-brown and brownish
ANAS FLAVIEOSTRIS.
red, all the feathers narrowly edged and tipped with dirty white. Bill — upper
mandible and the lower towards tip gamboge-yellow, — the former with an
oblong liver-brown stripe extending from its base to within less than an inch
of its point, in which are situated the nostrils ; the nail and tip of upper man-
dible and a triangular block at the corresponding part of the lower liver-
brown. Legs, toes, and webs brownish red.
Form, &c. — Body moderately robust; head large and slightly compressed.
Wings pointed, and when folded reach rather beyond the first half of the
tail, the second feather rather the longest, the first and third equal and rather
shorter, the fourth a little shorter than the third and about the same length as
the tertiary quill feathers. Tail rigid and slightly rounded, the feathers
pointed. Bill rather long, narrow, and throughout of the same width. Tarsi
and toes moderately long and rather slender, the former laterally and poste-
riorly covered with small reticulated scales, anteriorly with small transverse
plates ; the web between the toes reaches to the base of the claws, and on
each side of the middle toe is covered with a few rows of small scales. Claws
slightly curved and pointed.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches.
Lines.
Inches.
Lines.
Length from the point of the bill to
Length of the tarsus
i
6'
the tip of the tail
23
6
of the outer toe
i
ioi
of the bill to the angle of the
of the middle toe
i
mouth
2
n
of the inner toe
i
5
of the wings when folded
10
6
of the hinder toe
0
4
of the tail
4
0
Female. — Colours like those of the male, only not quite so dark ; the wing
speculum has less lustre, and her size is inferior.
Of all the South African ducks this is perhaps the most common and widely diffused.
Near Cape Town it occurs in the marshes, on the small lakes, and about the banks of the
various streams. In the interior again, it is generally found on the comparatively stagnant
portions of rivers, probably from the circumstances that the other collections of water in which
it more particularly delights exist only in but a few localities.
AN AS SPARS A
(Aves_ Plate 97 )
ANAS SPARSA.— Smith.
Aves. — Plate XCVII. (Male.)
A. brunneo-rubra, plumis subalbo-marginatis ; pennis scapularibus remigibusque internis albo-maculatis ;
rostro superne cEGruleo-griseo, medio versus basin ungueque nigris; pedibus fiavis.
Longitudo e rostri apice ad basin caudee, 17 unc. 3 lin. ; caudse, 4 unc. 9 lin.
Anas Sparsa, Smith, Ey ton's Monagrapli on Anatidse, p. 142, Lond. 1838.
Colour. — Head, neck, breast, belly, and vent dull brownish red, the
feathers of the top of the head, upper part of neck, breast, belly, and vent
narrowly edged with dirty white ; those of the sides of the head and neck,
and of the upper part of the throat, broadly edged with rusty white, and from
the light edges being more exposed to view than the brown, the colour of
these parts is comparatively light. Under tail coverts tipped with rusty
white and broadly barred with pure white ; interscapulars, back, rump, upper
tail coverts, shoulder coverts, primary and secondary quill coverts, scapulars,
and tertiary quill feathers umber-brown, the two latter tinted with brassy
green. The interscapulars are narrowly margined with rusty white, the
shoulder coverts, obscurely, with grayish white, the upper tail coverts are
sparingly blotched or partially barred with rufous, and the scapulars and ter-
tiary quill feathers are variegated with a few rufous or pure white bars, and
as portions of these are always exposed to view, there appears on the sides
of the back a sprinkling of irregular white spots. The tips of the secondary
quill coverts are velvet black, and each of these feathers behind the black has
a broad pure white bar. The base of the outer vane of secondary quill
feathers and their inner vanes brown, their tips white, and behind the white
a broad bar of velvet black, the rest of the outer vanes deep shining duck-
green ; the outer vane of the outermost tertiary quill feather is also velvet-
black, so that the two extremes and the inner side of the wing-speculum
are bounded by black. Primary quill and tail feather brownish red, the
latter narrowly tipped with sienna-yellow, and their outer vanes partially
barred with pale buff-orange. Bill,— the centre portion of the upper man-
dible from its base to near the nail, the latter, and a spot below each nostril,
black or deep liver-brown, edges of nostrils bluish-white ; the other parts of
the mandible bluish-grey. Legs and toes reddish-yellow, the webs the same,
and each tinted midway between the toes with dirty greyish-black ; claws
brownish-red. Eyes dark brown.
ANAS SPARSA.
Form, &c. — Figure moderately robust ; head compressed and superiorly
rather flat ; wings pointed, and when folded reach beyond the first half of the
tail, the second quill feather rather the longest, the first a little shorter, the
third rather shorter than the first, and the fourth about half an inch shorter
than the third ; the tertiary quill feathers nearly as long as the seventh quill
feather, — the scapularies considerably shorter than the tertiaries. Tail rigid
and slightly rounded. Bill short and moderately broad, rather deep at the
base, but much depressed towards the tip. Tarsi and toes moderately long
and rather strong, the former posteriorly and laterally covered with reticulated
scales, anteriorly towards toes with small transverse plates, the web on each
side of middle toe, and on the insides of the outer and inner toes is covered
with several rows of rather large flat scales, and the parts between these
scales are studded with small detached somewhat granular scales. Claws
short, rather strong, slightly curved and obtuse at the point.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
Length from the point of the bill to
the tip of the tail 22 0
of the bill to the angle of the
mouth 2 3
of the wings when folded 11 6
of the tail 4 9
Inches. Lines.
Length of the tarsi i si
of the outer toe i n|
of the middle toe 2 0|
of the inner toe 1 g
of the hinder toe o g
Female. — As regards colours, the two sexes are nearly alike. The female
is slightly smaller than the male.
This species occurs throughout the whole of South Afiica, but not abundantly in any dis-
trict. It is usually found on the waters of rivers, and most commonly in localities where the
banks are of a vegetable mould or where drift wood, &c., is accumulated in abundance. In
these situations it seeks its food, which consists of small Crustacea, &c., which are generally
found abundantly in situations circumstanced as above stated.
In point of figure this differs considerably from the more typical species, its body being more
depressed and broader, its wings proportionally larger, its tail longer, and the web of the hinder
toe more developed. Besides differing in these respects, it also differs in some of its habits ; it
never congregates to form flocks, but is either observed solitary or in company with a second
specimen probably of the opposite sex.
Some time ago I had an opportunity of examining a duck which was said to have been
brought from Abyssinia by Ruppel, and which at the time I was much disposed to regard
as identical with Anas Sparsa. Should such prove to be the case, I am inclined to believe
it has been named and described by that celebrated traveller ; hence the name which I have
adopted will require to give place to that which has priority for its claim.
RHYNCHASP SIS CAPE N S TS .
Aves Plate 98. A Male. B .Bernal c .
RHYNCHASPIS CAPENSIS.— Smith.
Aves.— Plate XCVIII. (Male and Young.)
R. superne brunneus tteniolis rufo-albis variegatis ; humeris pallide cseruleo-griseis ; tectricibus secon-
dariis partim albis; alarum speculo viridi nitente ; rostro superne profunde rubro-brunneo.
Longitddo e rostri apic& ad basin caudee 17 une. ; caudffi 4 unc.
Ruynciiaspis Capensis, Smith, Eyton’s Monograph on Anatidse, p. 135, Lond. 1838.
Colour. — The upper surface of the head dull brownish red, finely freckled
or pencilled with rusty white arising from each feather being narrowly edged
with the latter colour ; sides of the head and upper portion of the neck rusty
white, freely sprinkled with short and narrow waved brown lines. Lower
portion of neck posteriorly umber-brown narrowly barred with pale buff-
orange; interscapulars, back, rump, and upper tail coverts umbei*-brown
glossed with duck-green, all the feathers variegated with one or more narrow
waved bars of pale buff-orange, and also indistinctly tipped with dusky
white ; lower part of throat, breast, belly, and vent mottled reddish brown
and pale buff-orange, the latter colour edges each feather, and also forms a
transverse lunule some way behind the point. On the belly and vent the
light colour, instead of being buff-orange, is often rusty reddish orange.
Shoulder coverts bluish purple with a faint shade of green, and a few of them
towards the point of the shoulder are narrowly barred with white. The
primary and base of secondary quill coverts umber-brown, the remainder of
the latter pure white, and the outer vanes of the former are narrowly edged
with a faded bluish purple. Primary quill feathers and inner vanes of
secondaries brownish red ; outer vanes of latter shining duck-green, and
indistinctly edged with bluish purple. Scapulars and outer vanes of tertiary
quill feathers towards base shining blackish green, inner vanes and portion
of outer vanes towards tip tinted with shining blackish green. Insides of
shoulders and axillary feathers pure white. Tail feathers brownish red,
narrowly and faintly edged with pale cream-yellow. Bill deep reddish brown
shaded with umber-brown ; nail, at apex of upper mandible, the latter colour.
Legs, toes, and webs connecting toes intermediate between gall-stone and
ochre-yellow ; claws light brownish red.
Form, &c. — Body rather robust ; head large, compressed and subcrested;
wings pointed and when folded reach nearly to the point of the tail, first and
second quill feathers equal and longest, third rather shorter, and the fourth
RHYNCHASPIS CAPENSIS.
not quite so long as the third, the tertiary quill feathers about the same
length as the fifth primary quill feather. Tail rather rigid and slightly
rounded, the feathers generally pointed. Bill rather long, narrow, and at
base of considerable depth, flat anteriorly, and broadest towards tip ; nail at
apex of upper mandible well developed ; nostrils oval and rather large,
ciliated processes on inner side of edges of upper mandible strongly deve-
loped. Legs and toes short and rather slender ; the tarsi latterly and behind
covered with small reticulated scales, anteriorly towards base of middle toe
with rudimentary plates. Toes covered with oblique transverse plates ; the
web reaches to the base of the claws, and on the inner side of the outer and
inner toes, and on each side of the middle toe, is covered with several rows of
small scales ; claws short, slightly curved, and rather blunt.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
Length from the point of the bill to
the tip of the tail 21 0
of the bill to the angle of the
mouth 2 8
of the wings when folded ... 1 0 6
of the tail 4 0
Inches. Lines.
Length of the tarsus 1 6
of the outer toe 1 7-J
of the middle toe 1 8
of the inner toe 1 3
of the hinder toe 0 5|
Young. — The light colours of the head, neck and body are more rusty than
those of the adult, and the brown lighter and with less lustre. The shoulder
coverts are pale brownish red glossed with greyish blue, the secondary quill
coverts only narrowly tipped with white ; the outer vanes of the secondary
quill feathers only slightly glossed with shining blackish green, and hence no
distinct wing speculum exists. Base and portion of bill towards apex umber-
brown, centre light reddish brown, sides oil-green, finely powdered with
umber-brown.
This duck occurs abundantly in the marshes and on the small lakes which exist in the Cape
district, but more sparingly in the interior, excepting in the neighbourhood of the towns of
Worcester and Uiteuhage.
i
CAPBTMTJL CtII S N A T ALEN ST S Ide .
( Ave s . PlaPe .99)
CAPRIMULGUS NATALENSIS.— Smith.
Aves. — Plate XCIX. (Male.)
0. rufo-albo, subflavo, nigro-brunneoque variegatus ; plumis scapularibus maoulis oblongis nigro-brunneis
signatis ; gutture antice macula alba subtriangulare instructa ; remigibus quatuor externis brunneo-
rubris, singulo, macula, alba instructa ; cauda nigro-brunneo-fasciatsL
Longitudo e rostri apice ad basin caudse 4 unc. 9 lin. ; caudse 4 unc. 0 lin.
Colour. — The feathers of the upper surface of the head and of the posterior
part of the neck liver-brown, broadly margined and tipped with reddish
orange ; eyelids mottled light reddish orange, white, and liver-brown ; the two
first in small blotches, the latter in narrow transverse lines. Ear coverts and
feathers immediately posterior to them liver-brown, crossed with some fine
narrow lines of reddish orange ; the feathers of the anterior part of the throat
pale reddish orange, narrowly barred transversely with liver-brown ; those at
and behind the angle of the mouth, as also those on the centre of the
throat, white. Between the white marks, and on the throat in front of the
breast, the feathers are liver-brown, barred, and tipped with reddish orange.
Interscapulars umber-brown, finely mottled at their edges with light reddish
orange ; back and upper tail coverts umber-brown, barred and tipped with
reddish orange. Scapulars with a number of strongly marked and well-
defined oblong liver-brown spots, each more or less distinctly edged with
white or light buff-orange. These spots are arranged in somewhat longi-
tudinal rows, one about the middle of each feather, and, from their so strongly
contrasting with the other colours, constitute a ready and available character.
The other portions of the scapularies light buff-orange, closely barred trans-
versely with delicate liver-brown lines. Lesser wing coverts umber-brown,
mottled with reddish white spots and reddish orange lines. Quill coverts
umber-brown, incompletely barred with reddish orange. Primary quill
feathers brownish red. The four outermost of each wing with a large white
blotch on the inner vane, about midway between the quill and tip of the
feather ; the corresponding parts of the outer vane of the third and fourth
CAPRIMULGUS NATALENSIS.
also white ; the rest of the quill feathers barred deep reddish orange and
brownish red. Tail feathers liver-brown, and variegated with a number of
incomplete light bars, formed by a congeries of short waved buff-orange lines
extending along the feathers ; the last half of the two outermost tail feathers,
and the basal portion of the outer vane of the outermost one, white. Breast
dark reddish brown, the feathers towards their points blotched with white or
sienna-yellow. Belly, flanks, and vent buff-orange ; the former barred trans-
versely with brownish red. Legs and toes yellowish brown, with a fleshy tint.
Eyes deep umber-brown.
Form, &c.— Bill, anterior to frontal feathers, triangular, towards the point
narrow, compressed, and much curved, towards the base strongly depressed.
Gape very large, the angle of the mouth below the hinder angle of the eye.
Wings moderately long, slightly rounded, and when folded reach to within
about an inch of the tip of the tail ; the second and third quill feathers equal
and longest, the fourth slightly shorter, and the first a little shorter than the
fourth ; the tertiary quill feathers in length about equal to the sixth primary
quill feather. Tail slightly rounded. Tarsi moderately robust, and anteriorly,
towards upper extremity, covered with feathers; elsewhere scutellated. The
middle toe is considerably longer and stronger than the lateral ones, to each
of which it is connected, as far as the first joint, by a membranous web ; claw
long, slightly curved, and strongly pectinated, the other claws short, strongly
curved, and pointed.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
Length from the tip of the bill to the
point of the tail 9 3
of the bill to the angle of the
mouth i 2
of the wings when folded ... 6 3
of the tail 4 6
Inches. Lines.
Length of the tarsus 0 8
of the outer toe 0 51
of the middle toe 0 9
of the inner toe 0 (J
hinder toe 0 2|
Female. — Colours the same as those of the male, only neither so deep nor so
bright.
lhe two specimens of this species which I possess — all I have yet seen — were killed in the
vicinity of Port Natal, and were, at the time they were shot, actively employed in catching insects
in the dusk of the evening, close to a Kaffer kraal, and in the same locality in which they had
been watched for several evenings before.
<»
CAPRIMULGUS RUFIGENA. Smith.
Aves. — Plate C. (Male.)
n P Dallide purpureo-griseus, lineis nndatis gracilioribus, nigro-brunneis ™riegatis ; tcctricibus
C. supeme palliae purpure g ’ duobus maculis albis instructo .
al«u„ minoribus nigro-brunneis, late r«Mbo-™rgn»t» , 11,0 ,
■ et torque cervicale rubro-auranteis, mgro brunneoque-varieBatis. g
nlX brscia alba testers, teste,.*; tectei.ibu, dn.b.s — gnS* angn.te
nigro-brunneo-fasciatis et inter fascias, lineis nigro brunneis longitudmalibus inacu a is.
Longitudo e rostri apice ad basin caudae 4 unc. 4 lin ; caudie 5 unc.
Colour, &c.— The tipper surface of the head, the back of the neck the
interscapulars, the back, the upper tail coverts, and the scapular leathers
pearl-grey, faintly variegated with very slender transverse or obhque lmes, and
strongly with broad longitudinal streaks, all of a liver-brown colour. The
streaks are most numerous along the mesial line of the head, on the back of the
neck, and the scapulars, and several of those on the latter are internally mar-
gined with buff-orange, which offers a marked contrast to the elsewhere dar
hue of those feathers. The lesser wing coverts umber-brown, finely freckled
with reddish white, and irregularly but conspicuously tipped with buff-orange.
The four outermost primary quill feathers brownish red ; the first and second,
with a broad white bar across the inner, vane a little nearer to the point than
to the base of the feather, the third and fourth with the same kind of bar
extending across both vanes. The rest of the primaries, the secondaries, and
all the tertiaries, except the three innermost, brownish red, more or less com-
pletely barred with rusty reddish orange; the three tertiaries liver-brown, in the
course of the shafts, and towards the edges pearl-grey, freckled with liver-
nrown. Tail feathers, with the exception of the two middle ones, dark
umber-brown, irregularly crossed with more or less complete narrow bars
composed of small reddish white spots, and the two outermost feathers of each
side broadly tipped with white ; the two middle tail feathers pearl-grey, with
narrow angular umber-brown bars, and the intervals between them, which
are wide, are variegated with longitudinal or waved, narrow, umber-brown
CAPRIMULGUS RUFIGENA.
lines. The lateral and the posterior parts of the neck, in front of interscapulars
with a rusty buff-orange collar blotched with umber-brown, and on each side
of the throat, immediately below the angle of the mouth, is a large white spot,
the one separated from the other by the intervention of a few feathers spotted
buff and umber-brown. Eyes dark brown. Tarsi and toes intermediate
between buff-orange and yellowish brown ; claws brownish red.
Form, &c. — Bill subtriangular, and the culrnen throughout its whole length
distinctly defined, and considerably curved towards the point ; upper mandible,
immediately before frontal feathers, with a thin sprinkling of short rigid
bristles. Wings of moderate length, slightly rounded, and when folded reach
within an inch of the tip of the tail ; the second and third quill feathers equal
and longest, the first slightly shorter, and the fourth a little shorter than the
first. Tail slightly rounded. Tarsi and toes rather slender, the upper half
of the former, anteriorly, covered with short feathers, the other parts with
small plates ; claw of middle toe with six, seven, or eight teeth.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
Length from the point of the bill to
the tip of the tail 9 4
of the bill to the angle of the
mouth 1 \\
of the wings when folded 6 2
of the tail 5 0
Female. — Colours not known.
Inches. Lines.
Length of the tarsus 0 10
of the outer toe 0 3
of the middle toe 0 7J
of the inner toe 0 3J
of the hinder toe 0 2
During my residence in South Africa, I procured six male birds of this species, but not one
female. It is chiefly found in the eastern districts of the colony, and, in common with the other
Cape species, seeks its food generally in the dusk of the evening, and during the early part of
the night. Districts abounding in brushwood seem to constitute the favourite haunts of the
African Goat-suckers; and where high roads pass through a country so provided, they are most
frequently found on or near them, either skimming along them or across them. During the
day they remain perched on the lower branches of brushwood in retired positions, and if by
accident they be disturbed, they never fly further than the first copse which proves suitable as
a place of concealment.
CAPR EMULOUS LETNI TIGINOSUS
(Aves. Hate, 101.)
CAPRIMULGUS LENTIGINOSUS. Smith.
Aves. — Plate CL (Female.)
„ WO brunneus, lmeis maculisque lactifloribus variegatis ; torque cervicale colons ejusdem ;
C'SUPerXf p«S intends, secondariisque rubro-auranteo-fasciatis ; gutture rnter xnandrbute
exTrlitatel posteriores maculU alba instructo j pectore fusco, macuhs lactrflonbus vaneg ,
abdomine pallide rubro-auranteo, brunneoque transverse taemolato.
Longitudo e rostri apice ad basin caudee 5 unc. 2 lin. ; caudffi 5 unc. 4 lin.
Colour. — The ground colour of the upper parts of the head, neck, and
body liver-brown, freely speckled with small spots, waved lines, and irregula
blotches of pale buff-orange. The latter most numerous on the shoulders a
neck anterior to the inter scapulars, where they form a sort of demi-colla
the variegations are most profuse on the neck, shoulders, and scapu ais.
the throat, between the hinder extremities of the lower jaw, a large wh
blotch • the other parts of the neck, anteriorly, liver-brown, narrowly barred
with buff-orange. Breast dull liver-brown, freckled, and blotched with bu -
Tie; belly and vent pale reddish orange, the former scant, y banded
transversely with umber-brown. Under tail coverts bane w, , um
brown Primary and secondary quill feathers brownish red, the four outer-
most of the former with a white spot on inner vane rather nearer to the p
Than nnill ' towards the point these quill feathers areirregularly banded or vane-
th“ q” U pale buff-orange lines, and the inner primar.es and the secondaries
6 the Sr vanes deeply barred with a tint intermediate between tile-
aI<l and huff-orange; tertiary quill feathers brownish red, profusely variegated
red and bu - , Tali feathers umber-brown, barred irre-
wlt" h^;;Xangeg and the four or six middle feathers be-
g“ kr y., , bars are profusely variegated with narrow, oblique, pale buff
^nge lines Eyes dark brown. Tarsi and toes light brownish red; claws
reddish brown.
CAPRIMULGUS LENTIGINOSUS.
Form, &c.— Bill triangular, immediately anterior to frontal feathers much
depressed and the upper mandible is rather wider than the lower, and toward s
its point slightly curved. Wings long, slightly rounded, and when folded
reach to within an inch of the tip of the tail, the second and third quill
leathers nearly if not of equal length, and longest, the first about half an inch
shorter, and about equal to the fourth ; the secondary and tertiary quill
leathers very short, scarcely reaching to the base of the tail. Tail long and
slightly rounded. Tarsi and toes moderately strong, the former posteriorly
and anteriorly towards toes scutellated, towards hinder extremity feathered.
Claw of middle toe long, slightly curved, and strongly pectinated ; claws of
other toes short, pointed, and strongly curved.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
Length from the point of the bill to
the tip of the tail ]0 6
of the bill to the angle of the
mouth i 4
of wings when folded 7 6
of the tail 5 4
Male. — Colours not known.
The two individuals I possess were procured in Great Namaqualand ; the one, when it was
shot, was seated upon a high road, and the other was skimming around a pool of stao-nant
water, and occasionally darting from its general course as if to capture insects. Many other
individuals, probably of the same species, were observed in the same country ; but as they all
kept so extremely close to the edge of the brushwood, and never appeared till the dusk was
about giving place to darkness, two specimens only were obtained.
Inches. Lines.
Length of the tarsi 0 10£
of the outer toe 0
of the middle toe 0 9
of the inner toe o 4
of the hinder toe 0 2
CAPRIMULGUS EPROPCEUS
Ares-PlatelOP
CAPRIMULGUS EUROP^US.-Auct.
Aves. — Plate CII. (Female.)
C. pallide griseus, lineis, nigro-brunneis, transvorsis, longitudinalibusque instructus ; tectricibus alarum
minoribus maculis subalbis notatis lineam obliquam formantibus; remigibus brunneo-rubris, aurantio-
rubro-fasciatis ; gutture, antice, fascia transversa alba, instructs. ; abdomiue subrufo lineis brunneis
transversis yariegato.
Longitudo e rostri apice ad basin caudee 5 unc. 9 lin. ; caudse 5 unc.
Colour. — The ground colour of the upper surface of the head, the hinder
surface of the neck, the interscapulars, the back, the tail coverts and the sca-
pulary feathers pearl-grey, variegated with longitudinal stripes, and fine,
transverse, waved lines of liver-brown, the stripes along the centre of the
head broadest and almost contiguous. The scapulars adjoining the wings
are marked with several, short, broad, oblique liver-brown bars and narrow
cream-yellow lines, and the inner ones with broad longitudinal liver-brown
stripes. Ear coverts, feathers immediately behind them and those below
the lower eyelid, reddish-orange, freely freckled with liver-brown, and below
the last-mentioned feathers there is a distinct white stripe, which commences
at the angle of the mouth and terminates on the side of the neck ; below this
stripe the feathers are rusty-white, closely barred with narrow liver-brown
lines ; throat superiorly crossed by a broad white band, many of the feathers
barred with umber-brown ; behind this band the front and sides of the neck
are rusty white, barred with liver-brown ; lesser wing coverts umber-brown,
those nearest the bend of the wing finely barred with reddish orange, those
towards the quill feathers variegated with reddish orange and cream-yellow
spots, in addition to the transverse bars. The cream-yellow spots are so
arranged as to form a sort of oblique spotted band across the wing. Primary
and secondary quill coverts umber-brown, narrowly barred and tipped with
cream-yellow ; primary quill feathers brownish red, barred with light reddish
orange, the bars more or less speckled with umber-brown stripes or spots ;
secondary and tertiary quill feathers umber-brown, the outer vanes freely
CAPRIMULGUS EUROPtEUS.
variegated with spots or waved lines of a cream-yellow colour, the inner vanes
with moderately regular bars. Tail feathers bulf-orange, narrowly barred
with umber-brown, the convexity of the bars towards the base of the tail.
Besides the bars, the light spaces between them are profusely sprinkled with
umber-brown spots and waved lines. Breast finely barred white and liver-
brown. Belly and flanks rusty white, the flanks darkest, and both are marked
with transverse liver-brown bars, not so closely set, however, as those of the
breast ; feathers of tarsi cream-yellow. Eyes dark brown.
Form, &c. — Bill subtriangular, towards frontal feathers depressed, towards
tip compressed, narrow, and slightly curved. Wings long, pointed, and when
folded reach nearly to the tip of the tail ; the second quill feather the longest,
the first a little shorter, and the third rather shorter than the first, the fourth
about an inch shorter than the third. Tail even, or very slightly rounded.
Legs short, the upper and anterior portion of tarsus covered with feathers,
elsewhere it is scutellated. The outer and inner toes connected to the
middle one by membrane as far as the first joint ; claw of middle toe slightly
curved and strongly pectinated ; the claws of the other toes short, much curved,
and pointed.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
Length from the tip of the bill to the
point of the tail 10 0
of the bill to the angle of the
mouth 1 0
of the wings when folded ... 7 7
of the tail 5 0
Male. — Colours not known.
Inches. Lines.
Length of the tarsus 0 9
of the outer toe 0 4
of the middle toe 0 7|
of the inner toe 0 4
hinder toe 0 2{-
All the individuals of this species which I procured in South Africa were females, and most
of them were killed near Cape Town, or in the Cape District. It is certainly of the same
species as the Nightjar which periodically visits Europe. Many of the Cape Colonists main-
tain that the various species of “ Naght uil” (night owl), as the birds of this genus are called by
the Dutch, remain the entire year in the colony ; others affirm that they proceed to the northward
on the approach of winter, and do not return till the following summer. With those who
believe they are permanent residents I am disposed to agree, as I have more than once seen
individuals in the middle of the winter. They all appear, each in its favourite locality, about
dusk, and between that time and daylight next morning are generally to be seen actively
engaged in capturing their food.
PLOCEUS M.ARI.QUEN SIS .
ATes_Platel03.
PLOCEUS MARIQUENSIS.— Smith.
Aves. — Plate CIII.
P. capite, cervice, dorso, pectore, ventre uropygioque flavis ; interscapuliis subbrunneis flavo-viridi-mar-
ginatis; remigibus brunneo-rubris flavo-marginatis ; rostro pedibusque pallide flavo-brunneis carneo-
tinctis.
Loncitudo e rostri apice ad basin caudse 3 imc. 7 bn. ; caudse 2 unc. 4 lin.
Colour. — The upper and lateral parts of the head, and the back and sides
of the neck, gamboge-yellow, faintly tinted with green and variegated with
umber-brown streaks — each feather having one of these in the course of
the shaft. Interscapulars umber-brown, broadly edged and tipped with a
yellow of the same character as that of the head. Back, rump, and upper
tail coverts yellow like the head, the latter verging to lemon-yellow. The
lesser wing coverts brownish red, edged with lemon-yellow ; the primary and
secondaryquill coverts, and the primary and secondary quill feathers, brownish
red, the two first edged and tipped with yellowish white, the other two mar-
gined externally with lemon-yellow. Breast, belly, and vent intermediate
between gamboge and lemon-yellow. Tail feathers broccoli-brown, washed
with lemon-yellow, and edged with the latter colour. The upper mandible
intermediate between hyacinth-red and yellowish brown ; the lower interme-
diate between wood-brown and flesh-red ; the toes and claws intermediate
between yellowish brown and flesh-red.
In young birds the yellow, where it exists, is less deep, and on them it
appears only very sparingly on the interscapulars and under parts of the
body.
Form, &c. — Figure rather slender. Head small ; bill rather strong, parti-
cularly at the base, conical, and pointed, the culmen enters slightly between
the feathers of the forehead ; nostrils small, triangular, and placed near to
the base of bill, immediately on the side of culmen. Wings short, rounded,
and when folded reach to about the commencement of the second third of the
PLOCEUS MARIQUENSIS.
tail ; the first quill feather rudimentary, the third, fourth, and fifth equal and
longest, the second and sixth equal and rather shorter. Tail slightly rounded.
Tarsi and toes moderately robust, the former scuteilated anteriorly, entire
posteriorly. Claws very much curved and pointed, the hinder toe and claw
strongest.
DIMENSIONS OF MALE.
Inches.
jngth from point of bill to base of
Lines.
Length of tarsus
Inches. Lines.
0 10
tail
3
7
outer toe
0
H
of bill to angle of mouth . . .
0
n
middle toe
0
H
of wings when folded
3
i
inner toe
0
4|
of tail
2
4
hinder toe
0
4
This species, like most of the others of the group, is gregarious, and inhabits the banks of
rivers to the northward of Kurrichaine, especially those near to the tropic of Capricorn.
\
HECILOTTI-TTiL ERYTHROR.HT WCHA .
Aves Hate 104 (Male)
PiECILONITTA ERYTHRORHYNCHA.— Eyton.
Aves. — Plate CIV. (Male.)
P superae brunnea pennarum marginibus subalbidis, subtus rufo-alba lunulis brunneis notatis ; genis
juguloque abidis ; remigium secondarium dimidio ultimo, tectricibusque remigium secondarium rufo-
flavis, fascia transversa in medio ocnca, nigro-marginata ; rostro auranteo-brunneo coccineo-marginato.
Longitudo e rostri apice ad basin caudac 1 1 unc. 6 lin. ; caudae 3 unc.
Anas erytiiroxiityngha, Gmel. Syst., i. 517.
PjEcilonitta euythrorhyncua, Eyton, Monograph on tbe Anatidse, p. 115.
Coloue. — The top and the sides of the head superiorly umber-brown, all
the feathers faintly edged with wood-brown ; nape and back of neck pale
broccoli-brown ; sides of neck and throat light yellowish brown, freckled with
numerous small umber-brown spots, those of the throat the darkest ; the sides
of the head below the eye and the upper portion of the throat yellowish
white. Interscapulars, scapulars, back, rump, and upper tail coverts umber-
brown glossed with green, the feathers edged with white or light reddish
orange. Lesser wing coverts and secondary quill coverts intermediate
between olive- and umber- brown, the latter feathers broadly tipped with a
colour intermediate between aurora-red and buff-orange. The primary quill
coverts, the primary quill feathers, and the base and the principal part of the
inner vane of each secondary quill feather brownish red ; the middle portion
of the outer vane of the secondary quill feather crossed by two narrow dark
bars, the basal one shining duck-green, the other velvet-black ; the apical
half of the outer vane and a little of the inner towards the point of the feather
the same colour as the tips of the secondary wing coverts. Breast and under
parts rusty white, each feather with two or more narrow transverse arched
bars of a brown colour, one of which generally towards the point of each
feather is exposed, so that the parts specified are variegated by a number of
lunate marks. The middle of the bill is orange-coloured brown, the sides and
P/ECTLONITTA ERYTIIRORII YNCH A .
tip carmine red, the latter tinted with crimson red. Legs, toes, and webs
intermediate between pale blackish purple and brownish red. Eyes deep
chestnut-brown.
Form, &c. — Body rather slender. Head large, deep, compressed, and
arched superiorly; the forehead considerably inclined to the perpendicular ;
the neck long and superiorly very slender. Wings long, pointed, and when
folded reach nearly to the tip of the tail ; the second quill feather rather the
longest, the first and third equal and rather shorter, the fourth not quite half
an inch shorter than the third, and the fifth about half an inch shorter than
the fourth ; the longest of the tertiary feathers equal in length to the second
primary quill feather. Tail feathers of equal or nearly equal length, and all
the feathers pointed and slightly rigid. Bill narrow, rather wider towards
the tip than at the base, and considerably depressed, except close to the
forehead, and superiorly slightly convex. Nostrils situated near to the base,
on each side of the narrow bifurcate elevation of the culmen. Tarsi rather
long and moderately strong ; anteriorly coated wuth a vertical row of small
plates, laterally and posteriorly with small and irregular-shaped scales.
Toes moderately long, the webs reaching to the claws ; the anterior edge of
the inner one straight and oblique, that of the outer lunate. Claws short,
slender, and slightly curved.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
Length from the point of the bill to the
base of the tail . 11
of the bill to the angle of the
mouth 2
of the tail 3
of the wings when folded ... 8
Female. — Colours not known.
Specimens of this duck are occasionally observed in the interior of the Cape Colony, but
owing to their being so vevy shy and inhabiting districts but little frequented, only few com-
paratively are procured. The slightest noise in the neighbourhood of pools of stagnant water,
to which they generally resort, excites their suspicion, and the instant they have reason to
believe that danger threatens them they leave their feeding place, and seek security in some
retired spot far from the source of their fears.
Save that the wings of this duck are longer in comparison than those of Querquedula, and
that the culmen close to the front is rather differently formed, I see no grounds for considering
it as of a different groupe to the genus just mentioned.
1
0
44
Length of the tarsus ] 6
of the outer toe 1 6
of the middle toe 1 7
of the inner toe 1 2
of the hinder toe 0 4|
OOERQUEDULA. EOT IE NT 0 T A .
(A. Male. "B. Female)
Aves_ Hate. 105
QUERQUEDULA HOTTENTOTA.— Smith.
Aves. — Plate CV.
Q. brunnea, genis guttereque summo rufo-albis ; alarum speculo seneo postice atro-marginato ; remigibus
secondariis albo-terminatis ; rostro nigro-veride purpureo-marginato.
Longitudo e rostri apice ad basin caudse 10 unc. ; caudse 2 unc. 10 lin.
Colour. — The top and sides of the head superiorly rich umber-brown, the
feathers edged narrowly with yellowish brown ; the sides of the head, upper
portion ol the throat, and a longitudinal stripe extending from the eye towards
the nape light buff-orange ; the back and sides of the neck towards the head
iinely mottled greyish white and umber-brown. Lower portion of neck,
breast, and under parts intermediate between tile-red and yellowish brown,
each of the feathers of the neck and breast with one distinct, short, umber-
brown bar or spot near its tip ; each of those of the belly with several
narrower and more lengthened bars ; flanks without variegations. Inter-
scapulars and scapulars deep umber-brown, the former edged with a colour
like that which prevails on the under parts of the body, the latter with a pale
buff-orange stripe in the course of the shaft. Back liver-brown, the feathers
faintly tipped with white ; upper tail coverts pale yellowish brown, crossed
with numerous narrow umber-brown bars ; tail feathers dull rusty brown,
edged narrowly with wood-brown. Lesser wing coverts, primary and
secondary quill coverts, and the outer vanes of the primary quill feathers
liver-brown with a green gloss; the inner vanes of the primary and secondary
quill feathers brownish red. The basal two-thirds of the outer vanes of the
secondary quill feathers a shining duck-green, their points white, and the
two colours separated from each other by a transverse bar of velvet black.
The tertiary quill feathers a deep shining blackish green. The upper man-
dible blackish green along the middle, dull plum-purple on the sides and tip.
Legs, toes, and webs livid bluish green ; claws a pale horn colour. Eyes
dark brown.
QUERQUEDULA HOTTENTOTA.
Form, &c. — Figure slender. Head moderately large, deep, strongly arched
above, and considerably compressed ; neck rather short and slender. Wings
short, slightly rounded, and when folded reach only to the base of the tail ;
the first, second, and third feathers longest and almost equal, the fourth
rather shorter, and the filth rather shorter than the fourth. T. ail rathei long,
all the feathers pointed. Tarsi short and laterally compressed ; anteriorly
with a vertical row of small plates, laterally and behind coated with small
irregular-shaped scales. Bill narrow and throughout nearly of equal width,
high at base from the projection of the culmen, depressed anteriorly and
slightly convex. Toes rather long and slender, the webs reaching to the
claws ; claws slightly curved.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
Length from the point of the bill to the
base of the tail 10 11
of the bill to the angle of the
mouth 1 0
of the tail 2 10
of the wings when folded ... 5 8
Inches. Lines.
Length of the tarsus 1 0
of the outer toe 1
of the middle toe 1 5
of the inner toe 0 10 J
of the hinder toe 0 2J
Female. — The colours generally are lighter and less clear than those of the
male ; the most striking difference, however, is the absence of a defined
brilliant speculum to the wings, the portion of the feathers in the female
being only slightly green.
The only specimens of this species (two in number) which I have seen, were shot on a large
lake about one hundred miles to the north-west of Cape Town. It is a shy bird, and readily
takes to flight ; but it never, so far as I observed, proceeded to any great distance.
S
1
CERT HI LAUDA GARRULA, Fig.l.
CERT HI LAUDA SEMI TOR QUATA. Fig. 2.
( Aves._ Plate 106.)
CERTHILAUDA GARRULA. -Smith.
Aves. — Plate CYI. Fig. 1.
C. capite superne dorsoque nigro-brunncis, plumis rufo marginatis ; rectricibus nigro-brunneis, duabus
medius exceptis, late albo-terminatis ; guttere albo; pectore ventriquc rufis ; rostro leviter curvato ;
tarsis longis et validis.
Certhilauda Garrula, Smith. Proceed, of South African Institution, 1833.
Certhilauda Albo-pasciaxa, Lafresnaye Magaz. de Zool. 1836, Ois. 59.
Colour. — The upper surface of the head, the interscapulars, the back and
the rump liver-brown, each feather edged and tipped with rusty sienna-
yellow ; the back and the sides of the neck dusky reddish brown, the
feathers edged and tipped with dull sienna-yellow, the dark colour rather
predominant. The upper tail coverts intermediate between reddish orange
and chestnut-brown (clear ferruginous), the feathers tipped broadly with
white ; shoulders, small wing-feathers, and primary and secondary quill
coverts deep brownish red, edged and tipped with rusty white, or a dull, pale,
reddish orange. The primary and secondary quill feathers brownish red,
narrowly edged externally, and tipped with dirty white ; tertiary quill feathers
dark reddish brown, their outer edge and tip pale sienna-yellow. Tail
feathers umber-brown, the two middle ones tinged with lavender-purple, and
edged on both sides and tipped with clear reddish orange, the other feathers
tipped very broadly with pure white. Ear coverts dull reddish orange ; eye-
brows light sienna-yellow ; feathers in front of eyes pale rusty white; chin
and throat white ; breast, belly, vent, and under tail coverts dusky reddish
orange, the under tail coverts broadly tipped with white; inner side of
shoulders pale sienna-yellow. The upper mandible of the bill and the lower
towards point reddish brown, the latter towards base sienna-yellow, lightened
with flesh-red. Eyes a bright clear brown. Legs and toes intermediate be-
tween Dutch-orange and sienna-yellow, and tinted with flesh-red ; claws the
same colour as legs, shaded with brown.
Form &c.— Figure slender ; head anteriorly narrow, rather wide behind.
Wings rather long, rounded, and reaching beyond the second third of the
CERTHILAUDA GARRULA.
tail ; the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth quill feathers of equal length and
longest, the second rather shorter, the first rudimentary, or at least short as
compared with the second. Tail short and even, or very slightly rounded.
Legs and toes rather strong, the latter anteriorly scutellated, posteriorly entire,
the claws of the toes directed forwards, short, flattish, slightly curved, and
blunt at the point, the claw of the hinder toe long, straight, pointed, and
directed obliquely backwards and upwards. Bill moderately strong and
slightly arched, the curvature greatest towards the point. Nostrils small,
circular, bare, and superiorly edged with membrane.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
Length from the point of the bill to the
base of the tail 6 6
of the bill to the angle of the
mouth 1 1
of the tail 2 8
wings when folded 3 3
Inches. Lines.
Length of the tarsus 1 44
outer toe 0 3-L
middle toe 0
inner toe 0 3£
hinder toe 0 4J
hinder claw 0
The colours of the female are not quite so bright as those of the male ; in
other respects, she differs but little in external appearances.
This species inhabits the northern parts of the colony, is very noisy, and generally found in
small flocks. It moves rapidly, and when at rest is found either on the ground, or perched on
ant-heaps or small shrubs. It constructs its nest in a hole or excavation in the ground;
the foundation is small twigs, the inner parts grass and hair. It lays four or five eggs of an
olive colour, with darker spots of olive-brown. In cases in which the nest cannot be placed
sufficiently deep in the ground to ensure it protection from the winds and rains which prevails
principally from the north, the bird raises a rude fabric on the north side to possess what can-
not otherwise be secured.
CERTHILAUDA SEMITORQUATA. — Smith.
Aves. — Plate CVI. Fig. 2.
C. capite superne dorsoque rufis, lineis longitudinalibus brunneis variegatis ; cervice subgriseo-semitorquata ;
guttere albo brunneo-variegatis ; pectore abdomineque pallide rufis, pcctore maculis longitudinalibus
brunneis notatis ; rectrieibus rubro-brunneis, rubro-auranteo-marginatis ; rostro leviter curvato ;
tarsis brevibus, validis.
Certhilauda SEMITORQUATA, Smith. Proceedings South African Institution, 1833.
Certhilauda hufo-palliata, Lafresnaye Magaz. de Zoolog. 1836, Ois. PI. 68.
Colour. — The upper surface of the head, the ear coverts, the interscapu-
lars, the back, the rump, the upper tail coverts, the outer edges of all the
tail feathers, and also the inner edges of the two middle ones, intermediate
between chestnut-brown and reddish orange (ferruginous). The shafts of the
leathers of the head and a portion of the vanes adjoining them, brownish
red, constituting dark variegations. Sides and upper surface of neck,
between occiput and interscapulars, pale ash-grey, variegated with short,
brownish stripes directed longitudinally. Eyebrows, feathers in front of eyes,
chin, and throat, white; the latter streaked with umber-brown. Breast,
belly, vent, and under tail coverts, rusty white ; the sides of the breast,
flanks, and thighs with a strong ferruginous tint. Shoulder and lesser wing
feathers the colour of the back ; primary and secondary quill coverts reddish
brown, fading externally into sienna-yellow, the edges rusty white. Primary
quill feathers intermediate between broccoli and reddish brown, the outer
vanes and tips edged narrowly with dull rusty white ; the secondaries the
colour of the primaries, but, like the tertiaries, edged with a colour similar to
that of the back ; the tertiaries are umber-brown. Tail feathers brownish
red, and, as already stated, edged with a ferruginous colour. Bill pale
sienna-yellow, tinged with flesh-red, the upper mandible towards its base,
and its point, shaded with pale reddish brown ; eyes brown ; legs and toes
pale sienna-yellow, tinted with flesh-red ; claws brownish red.
Form, &c. — Figure slender; head rather long, narrow anteriorly, mode-
rately wide posteriorly. Bill long, slender, and slightly curved, especially
towards the point, the upper mandible considerably longer than the lower •
CERTHILAUDA SEMITORQUATA.
nostrils small, opening laterally, not covered either by bristles or feathers, but
bounded superiorly by a prominent bare membranous lid. Lar-coverts, wiry
and decomposed. Wings rounded, and, when folded, reach to the commence-
ment of the second half of the tail : the first quill rudimentary, the third
and fourth equal and longest, the fifth almost the same length, the sixth a
little shorter and but very little longer than the second ; the longest of the
tertiary quill feathers about two lines shorter than the six primary quill
feathers. Tail feathers nearly of equal length. Legs and toes rather robust,
the former scutellated anteriorly and externally, internally towards hinder
edge entire. Claws of toes directed anteriorly, slightly curved, and of
moderate length ; the claw of hinder toe, long, strong, slightly curved, and
directed obliquely upwards and backwards.
DIMENSIONS.
Id.
Lines.
In.
Lines .
Length from the point of the bill to the
Length of the tarsus
i
i
base of the tail
7
9
outer toe
0
H
from the point of the bill to the angle
middle toe
0
6
of the mouth
1
2
inner toe
0
4
3
6
hinder toe
0
of the wings, when folded
4
2
hinder claw
0
H
The colours of the male are rather brighter than those of the female ; in
other respects, the external appearances are the same.
Inhabits avid plains in the interior of Southern Africa, and when disturbed in one place
flies to another not very distant. It has but few of the habits of the larks.
CL AM G U L A L EUCONOTU S , male .
Aves, Flate 107.
CLANGULA LEUCONOTA.— Smith.
Aves. — Plate CVII. Male.
C. capite magno, alto, subcristata; capitis lateribus postice, cervicis lateribus, guttereque superne
pallide flavo-rufis; dorso alisque brunneo-rubris, plumis auranteo-rubro-fasciatis ; pectore abdo-
mineque subrufis bruneo-rubro-fasciatis ; rostri lateribus ad basin viridi flavis, viridi-nigro-vermi-
culatis ; tarsis pedibnsque viridi-nigris.
ClanguI/A Leuconota, Smith. Catalogue of South African Museum, 1837.
Thalassornis Leuconota. Eyton’s Monog. of Anatidee, page 168, 1838.
Colour.— Front and upper surface of head umber-brown, pencilled
sparingly with dirty sienna-yellow ; hind head and centre of neck superiorly
variegated with umber-brown and sienna-yellow, lower or hinder part of neck
sienna-yellow, spotted with umber-brown; a large white blotch on each
side of base of upper mandible ; feathers in front of eye umber-brown,
slightly freckled with sienna-yellow; the sides of the head and of the
throat superiorly sienna-yellow, the former towards the upper surface of
the head variegated with small umber-brown spots, and low on the neck
tinged with pale Dutch-orange ; the sides and back of the neck inferiorly,
as also the interscapulars umber-brown, barred and narrowly tipped with
dirty white ; the lower portion of the neck anteriorly, the breast, belly, and
under tail coverts sienna-yellow, barred with umber-brown, the latter
scarcely visible on the breast of aged individuals. Back pure white; upper
tail coverts umber -brown, narrowly tipped with white ; shoulders, the small
feathers external to quill coverts, and tertiary quill feathers umber-brown,
barred and tipped with white, or with a colour intermediate between reddish-
orange and chestnut- browm. Primary quill coverts intermediate between
broccoli and chestnut-brown ; secondary coverts umber-brown, tipped with
pale sienna-yellow; primary quill feathers a colour between chestnut and
wood-brown; secondary quill feathers brownish red, diluted with broccoli-
brown ; tertiaries umber-brown, and more or less tipped with light chestnut
brown. Tail brownish-red, the vanes partially edged with sienna-yellow,
and more or less variegated with irregular partial bars of the same colour.
Eyes dark brown. Bill blackish green towards base, variegated with
yellowish green in the form of small spots or reticulations. Legs and toes
dirty livid bluish black ; webs and nails black.
CLANGULA LEUCONOTA.
Form, &c. — Figure robust ; head very large ; neck moderately long, at
the middle contracted ; body short and bulky ; tail short, slightly rounded,
the feathers twelve or fourteen, narrow, and rounded at the point, the shafts
rigid. The upper surface of the head is arched ; the feathers of the forehead
rigid, of the top and hind head rather elongated, and those of the latter form
a compressed rudimentary crest. Wings short, rounded, and when folded
reach only to the base of the tail, the longest of the primaries and tertiaries
the same length, the third and fourth quill feathers longest and equal, the
second and fifth slightly shorter, the sixth nearly a quarter of an inch
shorter than the fifth, the first rudimentary. Bill short, rather narrow, high
at base, flattened and convex towards point. Nasal fossae large, oval, and
with a distinct membranous septum, in the anterior part of which are the
nostrils, open, small, and oval. The upper part of the bill, between the
fossae, anteriorly narrow, posteriorly wider, and consists of two slightly
diverging sides, between which is a slight groove, which extends to the
centre of the forehead. Nail of upper mandible oval, the anterior half bent
over the apex of lower jaw at nearly a right angle; margin of upper mandible
internally strongly, and deeply crenulated. Legs short, reticulated on all
sides, the scales very small on the inner side, larger and many sided on
the outer and anterior sides. Toes long, the webs complete and terminate
at the base of the nails, the portions on each side of the middle toe more
advanced than the lateral parts. Hinder toe short, with a large membranous
flap, on inner side. Nails of all the toes short, slender, slightly curved
and blunt.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
Length from the point of the bill to the
base of the tail 16 6
of the bill to the angle of the
mouth 2 0
of the tail 2 0
-wings when folded 6 7
Inches. Lines.
Length of the tarsus 1 5 £
outer toe 2 6
middle toe 2 6
inner toe 1 1 1
hinder toe 0 10 J
The colours of the male more bright than those of the female, the rudi-
mentary crest also much more distinct.
Inhabits Verlorn Vley and other lakes on the western coast of Southern Africa. It flies
but seldom, and when it does it simply skims along the surface of the water; when disturbed
it immediately dives, continues a considerable time under water, and on its returning to the
surface it descends again immediately if the cause of its fears continues near it.
*
OXYURA MAC CO A.
( Ayes_Flat.elO 8. Male .)
OXYURA MACCOA.— Smith.
Aves. — Plate CYIII. Male.
Mas. 0. capite cerviceque postice nigro-brunneis ; interscapularibus, scapularibus, pectore, lateribusque
croceo-badiis ; abdomine sordide auranteo-brunneo brunneo-undato ; rectricibus nigro-brunneis, rigidis,
angustis; alis subbrunneo-rubris ; tectricibus humerorutn scapularibusque badio-sparsis ; rostro
coaruleo ; pedibus brunnco-rubris.
Foem. O. supenie bruiinea, flavo-brunneo-sparsa ; fascid supra oculuin alba ; gula alba ; guttere iino, pec-
tore que summo brunneis, plumis griseo-albo marginatis ; abdomine rufo-albo, brunneo nebulato.
Mas. — Longitudo e rostri apice ad basin caudse 14 tine. 6 lin. ; caudse 3 unc. 6 lin.
Oxytjra Maccoa. Catalogue of South African Museum, 1 837.
Erismatura Maccoa, Eyton. Monograpli of the Anatidae, p. 169, 1838.
Colour. — Male. — The head, the sides of the neck near to the head, the
back of the neck, and the chin liver-brown or brownish black; interscapulars,
scapulars, upper tail coverts, sides of neck, throat, breast, flanks, and under-
tail coverts, a colour intermediate between orpiment-orange and chestnut-
brown, the tint deep and shining; belly a dull pale reddish orange, pencilled
or clouded with brownish red. The shoulder coverts, the primary and
secondary quill coverts, and the primary, secondary, and tertiary quill
feathers intermediate between umber-brown and brownish red, the shoulder
coverts and the tertiary quill feathers powdered with chestnut-brown, the
first, also, broadly tipped with the same colour. Tail feathers liver-brown,
shafts a shining pitch black. Eyes dark brown. Bill a dark bright sky-
blue; legs and toes dark brownish red with a tinge of purple; nails light
reddish brown.
Form, &c. — Head moderately large, neck rather short, body somewhat
oval ; tail rather long-, the feathers graduated, hence the whole is fawn-
shaped— the feathers are narrow, very rigid and blunt at the point. Legs
rather short, anteriorly covered with small plates, posteriorly with small
scales. Hinder toe with a broad membraneous edging, its claw short, much
curved and pointed. The three toes directed forwards, armed each with a
curved blunt claw, and connected to each other as far as the points by a
web. Bill short, high, and somewhat square at its base, flat, broad, and
rounded at its apex, the upper surface slightly convex. At the base,
superiorly, there is a slight projection on each side between which the
feathers of the forehead advance. These projections unite anteriorly and
descend as a slightly elevated and flattened ridge to within about half an
inch of the tip of the bill. Nostrils small, oval, and situated about the
middle of the bill, near to the ridge just referred to. Nail at apex of upper
mandible narrow, and towards its point strongly bent backwards; inner
edges of upper mandible strongly crenulated.
OXYURA MACCOA.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
Length from the point of the bill to the
base of the tail 12 6
of the bill to the angle of the
mouth 2 0
of the tail 3 6
wines when folded 6 6
D
Inches. Lines.
Length of the tarsus 1 3
outer toe, without nail ...
2
6
middle toe,
do.
2
4
inner toe,
do.
1
8
hinder toe,
do.
0
8
Plate CIX. a— Female.
The upper and lateral parts of the head umber-brown, each feather
narrowly tipped with yellowish brown, the sides of the head crossed with
a distinct white bar; back and sides of neck towards head greyish white
freckled with light brown ; part of neck towards body, interscapulars, back,
rump, upper tail coverts, and scapulars umber-brown, the feathers finely
barred and tipped with sienna yellow; shoulder coverts and primary,
secondary, and tertiary quill feathers pale umber-brown, the shoulder coverts
and the tertiary quill feathers powdered with sienna-yellow. Chin and sides
of head inferiorly clear white; throat and breast umber-brown, all the
feathers tipped broadly with sienna-yellow. Belly, vent, and under tail
coverts rusty white, clouded or freckled with umber-brown; each feather
towards its base being of the latter colour. Tail feathers brownish red ; bill
bluish green.
Plate CIX. b. — Young Male.
The male bird before he begins to acquire any of the colours characteristic
of his sex exhibits those of the female. As the change advances the colours
of the one sex yield to those of the other, and in the specimen represented
in the plate, it will be seen, the colour of the plumage is nearly intermediate
between that of a female and a mature and properly coloured male.
Inhabits lakes and rivers having a weak current, and hanks edged with reeds. It is far
from being a common bird, either in the Colony or in the country beyond it. I obtained speci-
mens only at Yerlorn Vley, about 100 miles to the north-west of Cape Town, and at the mouth
of the Orange River. At the latter, I procured a female only ; at the other locality, six or
seven males. During a residence of ten days at Verlorn Vley, I never saw a female ; there-
fore presumed they were sitting on their eggs at the time, and only left them to feed dir-ing
the nioht. The males were abundant, but exceedingly shy, and were only to be seen by a
person concealed in the reeds; as from the latter, to which they generally resorted, they never
issued into the open water when they were aware of the existence of any danger. W hilc swim
ming, the head, the neck, and the surface of the back only are above the water ; it seldom
attempts to fly, but dives with great readiness, continues occasionally for a long time un cr
water, rises at a great distance from where it descends, and so it generally makes its escape.
1
.
BRACK ONYX API AT A . Pig.l.
BRACHONYX PYRRSOROTILA. Pig 2
( Aves.. 'Plate 110)
BRACHONYX APIATA.
Aves. — Plate CX. Fig. 1.
B. corpore supra plum is castaneis nigro alboque variis tecto ; gula alba. ; pectore abdomineque subauranteis ;
pectore brunneo-strigato ; pennis scapularibus nigro-brunneis, externe rufo-albo-fasciatis.
Longitudo e rostri apice ad basin caudte 4 unc. ; caudse 2 unc. 6 lin.
L’Alouette Batalecse. Le Yuli Ois d’Afrique, pi. 194.
Alauda Aviata, Yiellot, Ornithologie Part Premiere, p. 321.
AlaudA Clamosa, Stephens’ Continuation of Shaw’s Zoology.
Clapart Lewerk of the Dutch Colonists.
Colour. — The upper surface of the head rufous, streaked with liver-brown ;
the back of neck, interscapulars, back, and shoulders blotched or transversely
barred with liver-brown, the tip and edges of the feathers rusty white or
lavender-purple ; the rufous and liver-brown colours slightly glossy. Primary
wing-feathers umber-brown, edged and tipped with rufous ; secondary wing
coverts umber-brown, each partially barred toward the point with rufous, and
narrowly tipped with the same colour. Primary and secondary quill feathers
brownish red, the whole of the outer vane of each and the inner vane towards
the quill edged with rufous; the former narrowly, the latter broadly. Scapulars
and the tertiary quill feathers umber-brown, the outer vanes blotched or barred
with rusty white ; rump and upper tail coverts pale rufous brown, barred with
umber-brown. Tail feathers brownish red, the outer vane of the outermost
feather of each side rusty white, the vanes of the other feathers narrowly and
faintly edged with dirty white ; the two middle feathers greyish brown, varie-
gated in some specimens with narrow longitudinal liver-brown lines, in others
with liver-brown bars, the tips and edges rusty white. Chin and throat
rusty white, speckled with small brown spots ; breast and under parts rufous,
the former anteriorly variegated with triangular umber-brown spots ; under
tail coverts a rusty sienna-yellow colour, each feather towards the point with
an arrow shaped umber-brown mark. Eyebrows narrow, and of a rusty
white colour. Bill, — upper mandible, and apex of lower brownish red, the
rest of the latter pale sienna-yellow. Legs and toes sienna-yellow, tinted
with flesh— red ; claws reddish brown.
BRACHONYX APIATA.
Form, &c. — Head rather small ; body moderately full ; tail rather long and
slightly forked. Bill conical, the upper mandible slightly curved, especially
towards the point ; nostrils narrow, and nearly bare ; bristles at angles of
mouth strong. Wings rounded, and when folded extend rather beyond the
middle of the tail ; the first quill feather rudimentary, the third, fourth, and
fifth equal and longest, the second slightly shorter than the third ; the tertiary
quill feathers rather shorter than the second primary quill feather, and the
secondaries rather shorter than the tertiaries. Tarsi moderately robust, an-
teriorly scutellated, posteriorily entire ; toes short and rather strong, the
three directed forwards, armed with short, slightly-curved, and blunt claws,
the one backward with a long, nearly straight, and pointed claw.
Length from the point of the bill to the
base of the tail
of the bill to the angle of the
mouth 0 10
Length of the tail 2 10
wings when folded 3 6
Female colours less bright.
Inches. Lines.
Length of the tarsi 0 10|
outer toe 0 3J
middle toe 0 6
inner toe 0 3^
hinder toe 0 3%
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
3 6
This species has rather an extensive range, and specimens are procured in great abun-
dance towards Cape Town. It inhabits arid situations, and is common on the sand-flats,
immediately to the eastward of Table Bay. In the situations it inhabits, it is often seen,
especially in the morning, rising, almost perpendicularly, to a considerable height in the
air, and descending in the same manner, so that it frequently lights on the very shrub or
knoll from which it ascended. During the ascent, it strikes its wings together with con-
siderable violence, from time to time, and so produces sharp sounds, a circumstance to which
it owes its colonial appellation.
BRACHONYX PYRRHONOTHA.
Aves. — Plate CX. Fig. i.
B. cervice dorsoque rufescentibus brunneo-variatis ; guttere peotoreque albis, ultimo brunneo-strigato ; ab-
domine auranteo-albo ; remigibus brunneis, rufo-marginatis ; plumis scapularibus nigro-brunneis ex-
terne rufo-fasciatis.
L’Alocette a Dos Roux, Lc Vaillant, Ois d’Afrique, pi. 197.
Alauda PyRRHONOTHA, Vieillot, Ornithologie Part Premiere, p. 322.
Alatjda Erythronotus, Stephens’ Continuation of Shaw’s Zoology.
Inkelde Lewerk of the Dutch Colonists.
Colour. — The upper surface of the head light chestnut-brown, the feathers
towards the nape streaked with umber-brown ; the back of the neck, the
back, the rump, and the shoulders rufous, or a pale rusty reddish orange,
each feather variegated towards the quill with an umber-brown stripe, and
many of them with a curved bar of the same colour, situated directly behind
the white or reddish white edging which terminates the feather. Throat and
breast white, the lower portion of the former and all the latter streaked with
umber-brown ; the sides of the breast, the belly, flanks, and under tail coverts
rusty buff-orange. Primary quill coverts umber-brown, edged with rusty
sienna-yellow; secondary quill coverts reddish brown, tipped with sienna-
yellow, and barred behind the tip with umber-brown. Primary and secondary
quill feathers reddish brown, the outer vanes and tips sienna -yellow or rusty
white, the two innermost tertiaries and the scapular feathers rusty orange-
brown, edged with white and barred with liver-brown. Tail feathers generally
uinber-brown, the outer vanes and tips edged with pale rufous ; the two
middle feathers rusty reddish orange, barred with liver-brown. Eyes bright
chestnut-brown. Bill above buff-orange, shaded towards the point with
greenish brown ; lower mandible greenish brown towards point, towards base
light greenish yellow. Tarsi and toes pale buff-orange, tinted with flesh- red,
claws the same colour shaded with greenish brown.
Form, &c. — Figure rather robust ; wings when folded reach to nearly the
middle of the tail, the third and fourth quill feathers rather longer than the
BRACHONYX PYRRHONOTHA.
scapulars ; tail slightly forked. Bill rather robust, and slightly arched ; tarsi
moderately strong, claws short, blunt, and slightly curved.*
The colours of the specimen figured in Le Vaillant (Ois. d’Afrique) are
deeper and brighter than in the one here represented ; the former was
probably a male bird, the latter, as already stated, was a female. In
it the peculiar shining or semi-pellucid appearance of some of the variegations
on the back and shoulders is visible, but not to the degree which is observed
in the male bird, or in either sex of Brachonyx Apiata. The peculiarity of
the colours referred to constitute, to a certain extent, a diagnostic character
of this group.
Inhabits arid districts on both coasts of the Cape Colony, but in no locality are specimens
abundant.
* The description of this .species is not so complete as I could wish, from the circumstance of the
only specimen I discovered in Southern Africa having been mislaid, and in consequence the oppor-
tunity denied me of substituting for hasty notes made at the time it was killed, characters drawn from a
careful re-examination of the specimen.
DRYM01CA SU BCINNAMOMEA. Fig. I
D RYNLOIC A FAS C I AL O T A . Fig 2 .
( Aves,-- Plate 111 .)
DRYMOICA SUBCINNAMOMEA. Smith.
Aves. — Plate CXI. Fig. 1.
j) superne viridi-brunnea, fronte cinnamotnca tincta ; tectricibus caudas superioribus brunneo-xubris ;
guttere nigro-brunneo, fasciolis albis variegato ; pectore ventreque antice cinnamomeis, pectoris plumis
viridi-albo-marginatis ; ventre postice alaruinquc tectricibus inferioribus viridi-brunneis ; cauda nigro-
brunnea ; capite parvo ; rostro gracili, compresso, fere recto.
Longitudo e rostri apice ad basin caudoe 3 unc. ; caudas 2 unc. 8 lin.
Colour. — The upper surface of the head and neck, the interscapulars, the
hack, and the shoulders, a colour intermediate between oil-green and orange
coloured brown, the forehead tinted with cinnamon-red. The primary and
secondary quill coverts umber-brown ; the primary and secondary quill
feathers light reddish brown with a tinge of green, the primary quill feathers
towards their base edged narrowly with cinnamon-red. The secondaries
throughout with a colour similar to that of the back; edges of shoulders
variegated with cinnamon-red. The upper tail coverts a tint between tile-
red and hyacinth-red ; the tail feathers deep brownish red, the outer vanes
towards the quills edged with a colour like that of the tail coverts. Neck,
interiorly liver-brown, variegated with narrow, white, transverse bars, the tip
of each feather being of the latter colour ; the breast and the anterior part of
belly cinnamon-red ; the feathers of the former towards the throat and those
on each side of the chest, edged partially and tipped with dirty greenish
white ; belly, vent, and under tail coverts, the colour ot the back. The
upper mandible light brownish red, the lower sienna-yellow, shaded with
umber-brown ; tarsi, toes, and claws, pale brownish red, shaded with brown.
Form, &c. — Head small, body moderately robust, tail rather long, and
slightly rounded, the feathers rather decomposed ; feathers of back of head,
neck, and back, fine, soft, and decomposed. Wings very short, rounded,
and when folded extend a little beyond the base of the tail, the first quill
feather about half the length of the second, the latter slightly shorter than
the third, which is a little shorter than the fourth, and fifth, the longest, —
the sixth rather shorter and about the same length as the tertiaries. Bill
triangular towards the base, towards the tip compressed, and the edge of
DRYMOICA SUBCINNAMOMEA.
both mandibles inclined inwards, the apex of the bill rather blunt, the bill
slightly curved from the base, and the culmen between the nostrils com-
pressed and carinated. Tarsi and toes rather strong, the former anteriorly
scutellated, posteriorly entire ; claws short, rather slender, pointed and much
curved, the claw of the hinder toe the largest.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches* Lines.
Length from the point of the bill to the
base of the tail 3 0
of the tail 2 8
bill to the angle of mouth 0 9
wings when folded 1 11
Length of the tarsi ....
outer toe .
middle toe
inner toe .
hinder toe
Inches. Lines.
... 1 0
0 3ft
... 0 6
... 0 3
... 0 21
The sex of the individual described not known.
The specimen of which the foregoing is a description, the only one I have yet seen, was
killed on the top of one of the mountains of the Kamiesberg, in Little Namaqualand. For
some time before it was shot, it was beheld flitting from bush to bush, occasionally perching
on their summits, at other times jumping rapidly to and fro among their branches, and as if
engaged in quest of insects, which were found to constitute its food.
In its general aspect, this bird has much of what characterizes birds of the group
Drymoica , but when its individual characters are closely surveyed, it is found to want that
which would entitle it to be classed among typical species ; or, in other words, it exhibits what
requires it to be viewed as an aberrant form.
DRYMOICA FASCIOLATA.— Smith.
Aves.— Plate CXI Fig. 2. Female.
D capite cervice superne, interacapularibusque viridi-brurmeis ; dorso caudseque tectricibus supenonbus
pallide cinnamomeis ; humerorum tectricibus pallide rubro-brunneis, albo-marginatis ; mento, guttere,
pectore ventreque albis, nigro-brunno-fasciolatis ; capite parvo; rostro gracili versus apicem curvato.
Longitudo e rostri apice ad basin caudse 3 unc. 2 lin ; caudffi 2 unc.
Colour. — The upper surface of the head, the back, and sides of the neck,
and the interscapulars, a colour intermediate between orange coloured
brown and oil-green ; the back, the rump, and the upper tail coverts a tint
intermediate between hyacinth-red and yellowish brown. Shoulder coverts
light reddish brown with a tint of umber-brown, many of them broadly tipped
with pale cream-yellow or dirty white ; primary quill coverts umber-brown,
secondary coverts umber-brown, broadly edged externally with the same
colour as that of the back, the tips pale cream-yellow which forms an oblique
bar of that colour on each wing. Quill-feathers brownish red, the outer vanes
toward their base edged narrowly with honey-yellow, towards and at tips
with dirty white. Sides of head speckled brown and rufous white ; chin and
throat pure white, variegated with short, narrow, transverse umber-brown
bars ; breast and anterior part of belly sienna-yellow variegated with short
curved umber-brown bars; posterior portion of belly, flanks, vent, and under
tail coverts rusty ochre-yellow, the latter darkest. Tail feathers light reddish
brown with a tint of green, darkest immediately behind the narrow white
apex. Legs, toes, and claws, buff-orange shaded with light brownish red,
the legs and toes tinted with flesh-red. The upper mandible, and the lower
towards its point, liver-brown, the latter towards its base sienna-yellow.
Form, &c.— Head small, body moderately robust, wings rather large for
the size of the bird, rounded, and when folded reach to nearly the middle of
the tail, the first quill-feather about half the length of the second, the second
slightly shorter than the third, the third nearly as long as the fourth, which
is 'the "longest; the tertiaries nearly as long as the longest of the primaries.
Tail fan shaped, the feathers rather silky, their points semicircular. Bill
DRYMOICA FASCIOLATA.
slightly curved towards the apex, the latter sharp pointed, the base some-
what depressed, the culmen between nostrils carinated, anterior to nostrils
rounded ; the edges of the upper mandible in front of the nostrils slightly
inclined inwards. Tarsi and toes rather robust, the former anteriorly scu-
tellated, posteriorly entire ; claws short, much curved and pointed, the claw of
the posterior toe the largest.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches.
Length from the point of the bill to the
Lines.
Length of the tarsus
Inches.
0
Lines.
10
base of the tail
3
0
outer toe
0
H
of the tail
2
0
middle toe
0
H
bill to the angle of mouth
0
9
inner toe .
0
n
wings when folded
2
6
hinder toe
0
3
The colours of the male not known.
Inhabits districts covered thinly with small underwood, and in such places is found
moving about from bush to hush in search of its food, which it appears to take partly from the
tops of the bushes, and partly from the branches among which it rapidly passes. Only three
specimens were obtained during the progress of the expedition party, all of them females, and
were procured on the open flat plains to the north-east of Latakoo.
SY L V l A OliSf’UR A , Fig.l .
OHLO K 0 PET A N AT A LEN SIS. Fig. 2 .
( Ave,s_ Plat,e 112 )
I
SYLVIA OBSCURA.— Smith.
Aves. — Plate CXII. Fig. 1. Female.
A. capite superne viridi-brurmeo ; partibus superioribus flavo-viridibus ; partibus inferioribus flavis ;
cauda longa ; rostro ad basin, depresso lato, ad apicem acuminato.
Longitudo e rostri apice ad basin caudos 2 unc. 9 lin. ; caudee 2 unc. 6 lin.
#
Colour. — The upper surface of the head intermediate between hair-brown
and oil-green ; the interscapulars, the back, and the rump oil-green ; the
upper tail coverts oil-green, with a faint tinge of pale orange coloured brown.
The shoulder coverts, and the primary and secondary quill coverts pale
reddish brown, edged and tipped with king’s-yellow ; the primary, the
secondary, the tertiary quill feathers and the scapularies pale reddish brown,
the primaries toward their base and the secondaries throughout edged
externally with oil-green, the tertiaries and scapularies edged and tipped
with king’s-yellow. Sides of head oil-green, tinted with brown ; eyebrows,
chin, throat, breast, belly, vent, under tail coverts, and libice king’s-yellow.
Tail feathers light brownish red, broadly edged towards their base with
king’s-yellow, and their points and the edges immediately in front of the
former, particularly the outer ones, of a tint intermediate between king’s-
yellow and straw-yellow. Upper mandible brownish red, lower light orange
coloured brown. Tarsi, toes, and claws pale brownish red.
Form, &c. — Head flattened and rather broad, body rather bulky considering
the size of the bird ; wings rather short, rounded, and when folded reach a
little beyond the base of the tail, the proportional length of the quill feathers
not to be ascertained, the bird having been moulting when it was killed.
Tail long, apparently square at the point when the feathers are fully
developed, each feather at apex slightly rounded ; the interscapulars and the
feathers of the under parts slightly decomposed. Bill much flattened, at the
base broad and triangular (vide Fig. a) ; the culmen is distinct between the
nostrils, which are situated close to the frontal feathers ; apex of bill slightly
pointed, behind point moderately narrow and considerably arched ; bristles
at corners of mouth short and moderately rigid. Tarsi rather short and
SYLVIA OBSCURA.
strong, anteriorly scutellated, posteriorly entire ; toes moderately long and
rather slender ; claws rather long, slender, pointed, and slightly curved, the
claw of the hinder toe much the strongest, and the most curved.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches.
ngth from the point of the bill to the
Lines.
Length of the tarsus
Inches.
0
Lines.
104
base of the tail 2
9
outer toe
0
3
of the tail 2
6
middle toe
0
5
bill to the angle of mouth 0
8
inner toe
0
3
wings when folded 2
3
hinder toe
0
H
The colours of the male are not known.
The only specimen of this species which I have seen was procured near Latakoo (Kuru-
man), and was, at the time it was shot, flitting about from shrub to shrub. Its stomach
contained the debris of small insects.
Having been unable to refer this bird to any of the existing small groups of the
Sylviada, I have classed it in the once-comprehensive group Sylvia, under a conviction
that an able revision of the family will result in a material diminution of the number of
subdivisions at present existing.
CHLOROPETA* NATALENSIS.-Smith.
Aves — Plate CXII. Fig. 2. Female.
B. supeme flavo-viridis, brunneo-tinctus ; inferne pallide griseo-flavus ; rostro ad basin sublato, ad
apicem acuminato.
Longitudo e rostri apice ad basin caudae 3 unc. 4 lin. ; caudee 2 unc. 0 lin.
Colour. The upper surface of the head and neck, the interscapulars, the
back, the rump, and the upper tail coverts a tint intermediate between
bioccoli-brown and oil-green; eyebrows and ear coverts straw-yellow, the
lattei tinted with oil-green. The under parts pale lemon-yellow, the hinder
poition of the abdomen, the vent, and the under tail coverts lightest.
Shoulder coverts pale brownish red, the feathers edged and tipped with
brass\ green, the primary and secondary quill coverts, and the primary
secondary quill feathers light brownish red, edged and tipped with white;
the scapularies edged and tipped with dirty white, and their outer surface
tmte with yellowish grey. Tail feathers intermediate between light
irowmsh red and yellowish grey, narrowly edged and tipped with white.
The upper mandible pale orange-coloured brown with faint tints of yellow ;
lower mandible straw-yellow. Tarsi and toes pale brownish red.
Form, &c. Head rather long and slender; body moderately full; tail
short ; wings long, pointed, and when folded reach to the last third of the tail,
the hist feather ludimentary, the third the longest ; the scapularies nearly
an inch shorter than the longest of the primaries ; tail short, its apex not
quite even, there appearing to be a slight emargination at its middle. Bill
rather broad at the base, narrow at the point (vide Fig. b), above convex ; the
nostrils narrow, longitudinal, and placed close to the frontal feathers ; the
apex ol the upper mandible is slightly bent downwards and forwards, and
behind the point there is a very slight notch or emargination ; frontal
Ch. Gen. Bill rather lengthened, slightly curved towards apex, broad and depressed towards base,
pointed at the tip, and slightly ernarginate. Nostrils exposed, narrow, and above edged witli a horny
membrane. Gape with a few moderately strong bristles. Wings very short, reaching to the base of the
tail. Tail rather long, and slightly rounded. Tarsi and toes moderately strong.
CHLOROPETA NATALENSIS.
feathers short, bristly, and rather directed forwards : bristles at the angles ot
the mouth long, and moderately rigid. Tarsi moderately strong, anteriorly
scutellated, posteriorly entire; toes rather strong; claws long, slender,
pointed, and considerably curved.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
Length from the point of bill to the
base of the tail 3 4
of the tail 2 6
bill to the angle of mouth 0 9-J
wings when folded 3 0
Inches. Lines.
Length of the tarsus 1 0
outer toe 0 3^
middle toe 0
inner toe 0 3|
hinder toe 0 3-|
The colours of the male not known.
The specimen of which the foregoing is a description, the only one which has come
under my observation, was killed when perched on the summit of a small shrub, on the
margin of a dense thicket near to Port Natal. On opening its stomach, its food was found
to be small insects.
Though I have put this bird forward as the type of a group, I am not satisfied that it
will continue to hold that position when all the species of Muscicapidai shall be carefully
re-examined. As the groups arc at present constituted, I have not. been able to find one in
which our species could, with propriety, be placed, therefore I have considered it wiser to
keep it separate than to place it in one to which it would appear to be but little related.
Were it not that the bill is rather more lengthened than that of the species of the group
Muscipeta, the bristles of the gape much fewer, and the plumage very different in character,
it, in other respects, bears a resemblance to young birds of the genus just mentioned.
♦
/
I
BRAD OR IN I S M A R E QU E N S 1 S . (A, Adnct. B. Young.")
( Aves._Plate J13.)
BRADORNIS* MARIQUENSIS.— Smith.
Aves— Plate CXIII. A, Adult.— B, Young.
B. superne brunneus, inferne albus aut flavo-albus ; cauda pallide brunneo-rubra, apice subfurcata ; rostro
nigro ; tarsis brunneo-rubris.
Longitudo e rostri apice ad basin caudes 3 unc. C lin. ; caudee 3 unc. 4 lin.
Colour. — The upper and lateral parts of the head, the back and sides of
the neck, the interscapulars, back, rump, and shoulders, a colour intermediate
between light brownish red and hair-brown — a dull pale brown with, in some
lights, a slight shade of green. The primary and secondary quill coverts, the
primary and secondary quill feathers, and the scapulars light umber-brown,
the primary quill feathers narrowly edged externally, and tipped with rusty
white ; the quill coverts, secondary quill feathers, and scapulars edged and
tipped broadly with the same colour. Tail, like the wings, light brownish
red, the feathers narrowly edged externally, and tipped with rusty white.
Chin, throat, belly, vent, and under tail coverts white, here and there faintly
tinted with pale sienna-yellow, or, in some specimens, with wood-brown.
Inside of shoulders white ; inner edges of quill feathers, towards base, pale
sienna-yellow. Bill liver-brown. Eyes deep brown. Tarsi and toes light
brownish red, tinged with rose-red ; bristles at angles of mouth, liver-brown.
Form, &c.— Figure moderately robust. Head rather narrow ; feathers of
forehead slightly inclined forwards, and partially conceal the nostrils, which
are narrow and placed close to the lower margin of the nasal fossa;. Bristles
at angles of mouth few, short, and rigid. Wings short, rounded, and, when
folded, reach to about the commencement of the second third of the tail ;
the first quill narrow, and about half the length of the second ; the fourth
* Ch. Gen. Bill rather broad at base, compressed towards point. Gulmen between nostrils high and
keeled curved throughout its whole length ; apex of upper mandible inclined downwards. Wings rather
short and rounded, first quill feather rudimentary ; fourth, the longest. Tail long, its point square, or
slightly forked. Tarsi short, inner and hinder toes nearly of equal length, outer rather longer. Claws
short, curved, and pointed.
BRADORNIS MARIQUENSIS.
the longest ; the third rather shorter than the fourth ; and the second several
lines shorter than the third. Tail rather long, narrow, and very faintly
forked. Bill curved from the base, the culmen between nostrils keeled, more
anteriorly lost in the convexity of the hill ; point of upper mandible slightly
inclined downwards, and at the base of the portion so inclined there is a
slight angle or faint emargination. Tarsi short, and moderately strong,
anteriorly scutellated, the plates large ; posteriorly entire. Toes moderately
strong, the inner and hinder of equal length, the outer rather longer, but
considerably shorter, than the middle one : claws short, strongly curved, and
pointed, the claw of the hinder toe longest and strongest.
DIMENSIONS.
Id. Lines.
Length from the point of the hill to the
base of the tail 3 6
of the tail 3 4
of bill to the angle of mouth 0 8
of wings when folded 3 6
In. Lines.
Length of the tarsus 0 10
outer toe 0 3|
middle toe 0 6
inner toe 0 3 1
hinder toe 0 3^
hinder claw 0 3
Female. — Colours the same as those of the male, only not so clear.
Young. (B.) — The ground colour of the upper parts of the body the
same as that of the adult, only darker ; the head, neck, and interscapulars
are variegated by oblong white or rusty white stripes, one in the course of
the shaft of each feather towards its tip ; the quill coverts and the scapulars
each variegated at the point with a rufous white stripe, broadest behind.
Under parts dull white, the throat and breast mottled with longitudinal liver-
brown stripes. Tail feathers each with a rusty white spot at the point.
Having failed to discover a proper place for this bird in any of the constituted groups of
Brachypodina, I have considered it and another species, a little larger, as typical of a new
group in the short-legged thrushes. The manners and mode of feeding of both species are
much alike ; they seek their food generally in dense thickets, and when in quest of it, move
languidly from branch to branch. They usually observe a horizontal course, and unless the
underwood in which they are discovered be limited, they are rarely noticed either to ascend
or descend to any great extent. Their food consists of insects.
passer mother sis
(.Aye.s .Plate M.)
PASSER MOTITENSIS.— Smith.
Aves. — Plate CXIY .
P. capite superne brunneo-griseo ; superciliis, colli lateribus, interscapularus, dorso, uropygio, humensque
cinnamoneis, interscapulariis niaculis oblongis subnigris variegatis ; gems albis ; gula guttureque
nigris ; pectore abdomineque griseo-albis ; cauda pallide brunneo-rubra ; rostro mgro.
Longitcdo e rostri apice ad basin caudte 4 unc. ; caudse 3 unc.
Colour. — The front, the crown of the head, and the back of the neck, dull
pale brown, tinted with pearl-grey ; the last also with a more or less distinct
shade of cinnamon-red. Eyebrows, a vertical stripe on the neck, the inter-
scapulars, back, rump, and shoulders, cinnamon-red, the interscapulars
variegated with oblong liver-brown blotches ; sides of head white ; the ear-
coverts slightly streaked with dirty umber-brown ; chin and throat black ; a
white blotch between the black of the throat and the lower extremity of the cin-
namon-red stripe above stated as observed on the side of the neck. The
primary and secondary quill-coverts, dull brownish red, edged with dull
cinnamon-red ; primary and secondary quill-feathers light brownish red, the
secondaries tipped narrowly with rusty white ; some of the scapular feathers
umber-brown, edged and tipped with pale cinnamon-red. Tail-feathers
light brownish red. Breast, belly, flanks, vent, and under tail-coverts dull
greyish white. Bill black ; legs and toes sienna-yellow, very faintly tinted
with brown ; claws light brownish red. Eyes deep reddish brown.
Form, &c. — Figure robust ; wings rounded, and when closed reach to the
middle of the tail ; the first, second, third, and fourth quill-feathers longest,
and nearly of equal length, the innermost primary feather about the same
length as the secondaries. Tail long and slightly forked. Bill large, very
strong, the culmen much curved. Legs and toes rather robust ; the tars
anteriorly scutellated, posteriorly entire. Claws short, much curved, and
pointed, the claw of the hinder toe considerably the longest.
PASSER MOTITENSIS.
DIMENSIONS.
Inches. Lines.
length from the point of the bill to the
base of the tail 4 0
of the tail 3 0
bill to the angle of the mouth 0 8
wings when folded 3 5
Indies. Lines
Length of the tarsus 0 7
outer toe 0 4J
middle toe 0 6
inner toe 0 4
hinder toe 0 4J
hinder claw 0 3f
Female. — Chin and throat dirty white. The feathers which are cinnamon-
red in the male are, in the female, a dull pale brown, tinted with pearl-grey.
Only two specimens of this bird were procured, both about sixty miles to the south of
the Orange River. When they were killed, they were on the ground actively employed
picking up the seeds which had fallen from the shrubs among which they were moving.
The natives (Bechuanas) seeing these birds carefully carried to our tents, expressed surprise
at our thinking them of value ; and those who saw with what care they had been preserved,
made known the proceeding to every new comer.
Live Music Archive
Librivox Free Audio
Metropolitan Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Internet Arcade
Console Living Room
Open Library
American Libraries
TV News
Understanding 9/11